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

Subdomain: Scientific Exploration and Knowledge

Goal: Children observe and describe characteristics of living things and the physical world

Skill Progression: Observe and describe characteristics of living things and the physical world

Age: 8-10 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 8-10 Months.

Observe the child in the back yard or a park. Take along some familiar objects and toys.

Let the child explore grass and/or sand under his feet and in his hands. Examine flowers and rocks (too big to mouth), sticks and leaves.

The child will touch, pull, throw, and tear the objects to discover their properties. The child may vocalize when the adult names an object.

Encourage parents to spend time with the child exploring the outdoors. There are so many sensory experiences, including smells, textures, and sounds of nature for the child to enjoy and learn about. Instill in parents the importance of sensory exploration and learning about seeing what happens when you dig in sand, throw rocks in the water, blow on a dandelion, and so on. These are fun experiences for the whole family.