Cognitive Development Mathematics, and Science
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Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter you will be able to:
- Define and explain the concept and components of cognitive development.
- Explain how early learning standards for cognitive development relate to mathematical and scientific thinking.
- Describe early childhood curriculum activities that support the development of mathematical concepts and processes.
- Describe early childhood curriculum activities that support development of scientific concepts and processes.
Introduction
So far, so good! The children are beginning to form friendships and you are paying careful attention to the emotional challenges some of them are facing. Your focus on strategies to promote self-regulation seems to be paying off, and you have been successful in helping the children develop some confidence in problem solving and conflict resolution. You’ve launched a study of the neighborhood, using the social studies standards as a guide. James’s mother and Eduardo’s grandfather have been able to accompany you on excursions, and that seems to be helping James and Eduardo with their feelings of insecurity. Your children have enjoyed meeting some of the nearby merchants, and they are starting to play “store” in the dramatic play center.
You enjoy listening to the children’s conversations and have noticed that they have many questions and theories about how things work. You’ve observed that every day, Alonzo takes out a bin of plastic animals and arranges them in different ways. Yesterday, Monique and Destiny came to you and asked how they could make paper dresses that would be the same size as the doll babies. You recognize that, in your role as an early childhood educator, you want to support the children’ interests, but you also need to cultivate their cognitive development, in part by providing intentional activities that teach important concepts.
Cognitive development occurs as children acquire and process different kinds of knowledge. Mathematics and the sciences for children share a focus on inquiry, problem solving, and the development of critical thinking skills through processes and practices that engage them in hands-on explorations. This chapter focuses on the early learning standards for cognitive development and experiences that build a good foundation for math and science standards and curricula.
From the Field
Critical Thinking Question
- Donna emphasizes that much mathematics learning occurs naturally. What does she mean by that, and what balance do you think there should be between “natural” and “planned” mathematics instruction?