Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Social Connections

Goal: Children recognize that they are members of different groups (e.g., family, preschool class, cultural groups).

Skill Progression: Recognize they are members of different groups

Age: 54-60 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 54-60 Months.

Interview the child about his outside activities.

The adult can engage in a play activity with the child and talk about a variety of subjects. Asking the child a few questions about family etc. may prompt the child to ask the adult questions too.

Boys and girls will play different activities both inside and outside, with boys being more aggressive and enjoying rough house play.

Not all families have a multitude of outside activities, and parents need to be warned not to begin over-scheduling their child. If it is possible for the child to do one outside activity, that’s great. But it is not essential if the child and family are involved in a variety of home, church, and community activities. Going to museums, parks, play areas, family outings, etc. teaches the child about how expectations and groups vary in different situations. These opportunities expose the child to a wider range of people than may be in his classroom. They also enable the child to ask questions about the different people and behaviors he observes.