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: 12-15 Months

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Place the child on a ramp (if walking) or at the top.

Place something of interest at the top of the ramp or place an item on a few steps down from the child’s location on the stairs.

The child will lean forward to climb a slope or turn around to slide down stairs. This demonstrates understanding of the spatial challenges and need for modification of movement patterns.

Explain how finding things on their own (rather than having the adult get them) helps children learn to map their environment. Parents are well aware of their child’s movement patterns (motor skills). Tell them what this means about the child’s spatial understanding.