Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Emotional and Social Development (ESD)

Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self

Goal: Children demonstrate a positive sense of self-identify and self-awareness.

Skill Progression: Awareness of self through actions

Age: 4-6 Months

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Observe the child on her back with small toys and objects hanging within reach (e.g., a mobile).

Give the child small objects such as a rattle to hold and explore. Hang shiny or noisy objects such as small pie tins or rattles from a stick. Hold the stick over the child.

See if the child reaches, bats, or kicks the objects. If the child accidentally kicks the objects, does the child repeat the action intentionally? This indicates the child is learning he can make something happen.

Create situations where the child has opportunities to engage objects to make them move or make sound. Lower a mobile in the crib, place a hanging toy over the child during diapering, etc. This will encourage the infant to explore what his limbs can do.