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: 27-30 Months

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Observe the child while engaging in dramatic play with other children. Make sure there are duplicates of most of the props.

No elicitation may be needed. If child doesn’t spontaneously interact, the adult can comment. “Tell me about what you two are doing and what is going to happen?”

Depending on the temperament of the child being observed, he may take a leader or follower role. If the child takes a follower role, determine if the child is making decisions within the role that the peer has assigned.

Play dates are important. Help parents understand how joint play builds children’s social skills and expands their understanding of other people’s needs and desires. Having play dates prepares children for their later school experiences. Children do not have to be exactly the same age. Cousins, neighbors, and friends are all good. Consider personalities when arranging play dates. Two shy children may not interact as quickly.