Observe the child at play.
See what the infant does with any object that is picked up.
The infant recognizes her familiar toys and knows what to do with them. For example, hit the wheel and it spins; push the ball and it rolls; blocks bang.
As children recognize the different patterns associated with familiar people and objects, they begin to build a classification system. Explain the importance of introducing novel materials (not necessarily toys), so the infant learns how things are alike and different. For example, in the bathtub: sponges squeeze and drip water, wash cloths squeeze and drip water; straws drip water, cups pour water, etc.
 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015
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