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

Subdomain: Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Goal: Children compare, sort, group, organize and measure objects and create patterns in their everyday environment.

Skill Progression: Patterning

Age: 10-12 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 10-12 Months.

Use two-piece animal puzzles of familiar animals (dog, cat, bird).

Separate the puzzle pieces so only half of the puzzle is visible. Place two halves of different animals out and say, “Where is the cat?”

When the child can see part of the image and know what the picture represents, she is demonstrating the ability to complete the pattern in her head.

Looking at books and naming objects is crucial as children are developing language vocabulary comprehension. Exposure to pictures illustrating vocabulary is important. Exposure to different pictures of the same vocabulary (different pictures of dogs, for example) helps children understand the key aspects of the pattern.