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

Subdomain: Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning

Goal: Children demonstrate the ability to think about their own thinking: reasoning, taking perspectives, and making decisions

Skill Progression: Thinking and reasoning

Age: 2-4 Months

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Have rattles with thin handles the child can grasp or bells on ribbons that can be tied around the infant’s wrists or ankles.

Put the rattle in the infant’s hand or tie the bells on the wrists or ankles.

As the child moves his arm or leg, he will hear sounds. Gradually, the child will connect his movement with the sound and begin to move with the intention of hearing the sound.

Explain how children learn what they can do with toys accidentally at first. The discovery that they can make a noise occur is a major first step to understanding what they can do by themselves. Encourage early childhood educators and parents to provide noise makers that are easily activated by movement. Suggest making simple noise makers if traditional rattles are not available. Fill any small container (yogurt, restaurant sauce containers, etc.) with a small amount of rice or beans. Tape the top closed securely. Attach a popsicle stick or other slim stick to the container. Shake! Shake! Shake!