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

Subdomain: Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Goal: Children identify and use common shapes and concepts about position during play and other activities.

Skill Progression: Spatial understanding

Age: 10-12 Months

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

Observe the child in floor play activities with poker chips, blocks, or other small items and several containers with loose lids. If desired, include a washcloth or tissue in which to wrap a small toy. Place the small items and containers around the child.

After the child tires of the empty and fill play, wrap a toy in a tissue and place it in front of the child.

The child will also search for the smaller item within the tissues, recognizing it is within the tissue.

Explain the importance of the child being able to experiment with containers to determine spatial relations. These do not have to be fancy toys. Parents can save gift boxes, food containers (cleaned), and small filling items such as large bottle caps or jar lids. Experimentation with sizes, spaces, and distances is important for young children.