Cognitive Development

Cognitive Development in the Catbird Classroom

Students are constantly deciding how they will interact with the world around them. Some students take things apart to see how they work, others ask numerous questions to gain information, and some quietly observe before determining their course of action.  Each student has a unique learning style and set of interests that guide their exploration and understanding of new learning experiences. A wide range of activities is part of the Early Childhood program to allow for numerous and varied opportunities for discovery and knowledge acquisition.  Concepts related to cognitive development include: numerical knowledge, shape and pattern recognition, the ability to organize objects by attributes, understanding relational concepts (such as between, over, above, below). A child's particular approach to learning is also an important part of understanding their cognitive development.

Jona is a very observant person, who loves to actively explore the world around him. Here he is at the Colonial Fair, studying to be a blacksmith. 

Usually, Jona's approach to learning is to take a few moments to stand back and take in new situations and materials. This is an important part of his learning process, as he quick to take in essential information that lets him move forward with confidence.

Although Jona enjoys learning in a social context, he seems to prefer to have time to examine and experiment with new materials on his own. In recent days, Jona has spent some of his outside time quietly figuring out ice. Quite often, Jona will stop and see what his friends are doing, and then use this as a jumping-off point for his own investigations.

When he has mastered a new skill, he is eager to share it with friends. Jona is generous in teaching others about, or giving away, the things he has made.