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

Subdomain: Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Goal: Children identify and use common shapes and concepts about position during play and other activities.

Skill Progression: Spatial understanding

Age: 10-12 Months

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Observe the child in floor play activities with poker chips, blocks, or other small items and several containers with loose lids. If desired, include a washcloth or tissue in which to wrap a small toy. Place the small items and containers around the child.

Observe whether the infant spontaneously takes a lid off of a container and puts toys inside. If not, demonstrate for the child once.

The child will enjoy putting small things in the larger container, again recognizing spatial differences.

Explain the importance of the child being able to experiment with containers to determine spatial relations. These do not have to be fancy toys. Parents can save gift boxes, food containers (cleaned), and small filling items such as large bottle caps or jar lids. Experimentation with sizes, spaces, and distances is important for young children.