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: Making decisions

Age: 15-18 Months

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While observing the child engaged in dramatic play determine if the child can switch from one sequence of actions to another. For example, can the child cook and serve and then switch to taking the baby for a walk in the stroller.

If the child is engaged in the dramatic play with the dolls no elicitation may be needed. If the child becomes perseverative in a play sequence (cooking), say, “What else can we do in your house?”

See if the child can initiate a short play sequence and then decide to shift to a new series of actions. This indicates ability to attend, follow through on an idea, and shift when the task is completed.

Many parents need to be encouraged to engage in dramatic play with their child. Let them know how important dramatic play is for the child’s development of imagination, social skills, and problem solving among other skills. If no older siblings are present in the family, the parent needs to be the play partner. Encourage them to act out events of the day with the child leading the way—giving the baby a bath, dressing the baby, putting the baby to bed, etc.