The Developing Child | December 2021
In this issue, we look at initiation: why it's important, factors to consider, and strategies that promote the initiation
Exploration is the basis for discovery learning
Discovery learning results from children exploring and manipulating objects or experiences in their environment. To explore means to experience firsthand. Discovery learning results from children exploring and manipulating objects or experiences in their environment. Every time parents teach children something, they keep them from discovering it for themselves.
Knowing and understanding are
multidimensional - multimodal tasks
Before children learn names and uses of objects, they know what they look like, how they feel, what they taste and smell like, what happens when certain actions are performed on them, and how they relate to other objects or experiences. Knowledge is not just facts and information from dictionaries or encyclopedias. The names and functions of objects are far less critical to early cognitive learning then are the sensory and personal information children get about their world.
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Exploration is characterized by active involvement, experimentation, and observation. Children explore by using all their senses - by mouthing, throwing, handling, looking, and listening.
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As children cognitions change, they
rediscover new possibilities
The most important component of cognitive development is the change in children’s perceptions and understanding that give rise to their new skills and behaviors. As children’s perceptions of the world change, they rediscover objects and activities they experienced in the past.
Similar concepts can be learned through a
variety of experiences
In general, any object or activity that children can explore or manipulate can provide information or experiences that help children develop higher level concepts. Remember, that children are more likely to learn information and concepts that are directly related to their immediate interests, and they are continually learning from each of their daily routine activities.
Exploration is child initiated, not a guided tour
Learning through exploration is a high-demand, high-energy activity – much more difficult than being taught by others. When parents guide children’s exploration they interfere with their children’s engaging in the intensive work that exploration requires.
Curiosity is a critical tool for learning
Children’s exploration is fueled by their wonder about how they personally relate to their world. Children tend to be more curious and more likely to explore objects and experiences that they can
directly affect.
Play provides children opportunities to explore
When children play, they manipulate or explore objects or toys systematically. Children enjoy what they do when they play. If the play is no longer fun, children will stop playing and find something else to do. Despite the fact that they enjoy themselves, children work hard when they play by continually manipulating and exploring different developmental behaviors.
References:
Mahoney, Gerald, and James David MacDonald. Autism and Developmental Delays in Young Children. Pro Ed, 2007
1. Muentener P, Herrig E and Schulz L (2018) The Efficiency of Infants' Exploratory Play Is Related to Longer-Term Cognitive Development. Front. Psychol. 9:635. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00635
We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter on exploration and cognigition. To learn more about our services, visit our website: www.solarispediatrictherapy.com.
Solaris Pediatric Therapy Newsletter
2510 Van Buren St, Houston, TX, 77006 phone: 832-727-3771 email: office@solarispediatrictherapy.com
