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: Taking perspectives

Age: 42-48 Months

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Set the scene for the discussion by reading a book about differences among siblings, twins, or friends. Then have a discussion about differences in likes and dislikes, attitudes and beliefs: favorite activities, foods, movies, TV shows, etc.

Discuss the book as it is read, comparing how the different characters feel about various things. After reading the book, talk about how the child’s likes and dislikes are the same or different from other members of his family or friends.

The child can identify what other people like and dislike. This can involve any topic the child or adult raises.

Reading books or watching movies stimulates thoughts and can provide a basis for discussion of important topics. Early childhood educators and parents can use books and movies as a basis for discussion of similarities and differences among people’s preferences and beliefs. This will serve as a foundation for higher level thinking later.