Cognitive Development

Personal Definition- The ability to think, learn, explore, remember, and solve problems through their interactions with the environment, primarily using their senses and motor skills.

 

1.) Name of Activity: "What's in the box?"

 

Originating Idea: Babies like lifting and moving toys to different spots

 

Curriculum Area: Cognitive development- object permanence- children discover object permanence #23

 

Materials: Shoe box/container, blanket, favorite toy, wipes

Appropriate Age group: Infants (6-12 months)

 

Beginning of Activity: Allow infants to hold and explore toys

 

Middle of Activity

 

Early Extension: Gently guide the infant's hand to lift the lid of the box and uncover a partly hidden toy

 

 

 

Middle: Invite the infant to open a fully closed box on their own to reveal the toy they saw hidden

  

 

 

Later Extension: Present two boxes and encourage the infant to choose the correct one where the toy was placed

 

 

End of Activity:  Let baby play freely with the toy after they find it

 

 

Follow-up Ideas (2): Peak-a-boo in mirror, singing while looking in mirror

 

 

2.) Name of Activity: "Who's that?" Mirror play

 

Originating Idea: Children love looking at themselves in the mirror in the bathroom

 

Curriculum Area: Cognitive Development- seeing from different viewpoints- children observe people and things from various perspectives #31

 

Materials: Child-safe mirrors, large floor mirror, emote flashcard, stuffies, radio for calm/soft music

Appropriate Age group: Toddlers (12-36 months)

 

Beginning of Activity: Introduce the concept of a reflection, point to my reflection in the mirror and say "that's me" then point to theirs and say "that's you"

 

Middle of Activity

 

Early Extension: Make a happy face in the mirror, them tell them "look! I'm happy"

 

 

 

Middle: Model making funny faces and have toddlers copy you

  

 

 

Later Extension: Show emote cards/ pictures of people showing different feelings

 

 

End of Activity: Praise children for trying different expressions

 

 

Follow-up Ideas (2): Which hand is it in game, mystery toy box

 

3.) Name of Activity: Windy vs breezy

 

Originating Idea: Toddlers like playing "red light. green light"

 

Curriculum Area: Cognitive development- speed- children experience fast and slow #34

 

Materials: radio, CD's, dance, ribbons, fan

Appropriate Age group: Toddlers (12-36 months)

 

Beginning of Activity: Demonstrate fast and slow movements with the dance ribbon

 

Middle of Activity

 

Early Extension: Move ribbon slowly side to side (breeze)

 

 

 

Middle: Toddlers will move ribbon fast, while creating fast movements (windy)

  

 

 

Later Extension: Play fast and slow music, allowing children to move their ribbons to match the speed of the music

 

 

End of Activity: Transition to a calm activity such as reading

 

 

Follow-up Ideas (2): Wind dance, weather in a bottle, wind vs breeze art