The process of cognitive development in newborns and toddlers is fascinating. Cognitive development provides the foundation for further learning, while infants and toddlers learn about the world through their senses and behaviours (Kaywork, 2019).
Key aspects of cognitive development
- Object Permanence
- Cause-and-effect thinking
- Memory Development
- Problem-Solving
- Imitation and Memory
- Spatial awareness and symbolic thought
Teaching Competencies and skills
To promote infants and toddler’s cognitive development, early childhood educators must demonstrate:
- Purposeful scaffolding: Using open-ended questions, problem-solving techniques, and modelling to help children extend their thinking.
- Observational skills: Identifying signs of a child's interests, curiosity, and thought processes (Nessipbayeva, 2012)
- Intentional Scaffolding: Developing a child's thinking skills through problem-solving, open-ended enquiries, and modelling.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Appreciating other approaches to learning, investigating, and understanding the world (Nessipbayeva, 2012).
- Creating a rich environment: Providing flexible resources and responsive communication.
Authentic Curriculum Provision & Learning Opportunities
Every topic can naturally involve cognitive development. Here are few examples:
Language and Literacy: Putting narrative events in order and having
cause-and-effect conversations
Science: Using sand and water to conduct experiments and make
Discoveries (Coursesidekick.com, 2024).
Engineering: Constructing towers, investigating stability and balance
Technologies: Child-safe technology (such as touch-screen picture
games) and interactive cause-effect toys.
Three Original Learning Opportunities
Age Range: 0 to 12 Months
Learning Opportunity: "Object Permanence Play and Peekaboo”
Focus: Understanding that things exist even when they are invisible
Materials: plush blankets, tiny toys, and carer engagement Method:
Process:
Figure out where a toy went by hiding it beneath a cloth.
Offer the baby help to uncover it.
Repeat using a different object.
Result: helps in the development of memory, focus, and object persistence (Raising children, 2018).
Age Range: 12 to 24 Months
Learning Opportunity: "Cause and Effect Treasure Box"
Focus: Understanding that actions have consequences
Materials: A box containing pop-up toys, push-button lights, and musical shakers
Process:
As the toddler explores the box, the educator observes and demonstrates new uses for the objects.
"This button turns on the light when pressed!"
Result: Improves curiosity, memory, and problem-solving skills (Raising Children Network, 2022).
Age Range: 2–3 Years
Learning Opportunity: "Sorting Safari"
Focus: Problem-solving and classification
Materials: Color-coded baskets or habitats (such as a farm, forest, or ocean) or animal figurines
Process:
Children classify animals based on their colour or habitat. One of the leading questions asked by the educator is, "Where does the dolphin live?"
Result: enhances vocabulary, symbolic reasoning, and sorting abilities (Raising Children Network, 2022).
Children’s Literature and Movement Resources
Children’s Picture Books:
- The three billy goats gruff
- Ducks away
Songs
- Ram Sam Sam
- Inanay capuana
Rhymes
- Twinkle Twinkle
- Baba Black Sheep
Movement Game
- Simon Says