Lesson 9.1: Cognitive Development



Lesson Summary

This lesson presents ways parents can support their child’s development of cognitive skills and how those skills promote school readiness.

Key Understandings

BEFORE: Engage in Learning

School Readiness - Cognitive Development

Cognitive development is one of the four domains that supports school readiness. So far we have talked about the Social and Emotional Development domain, Language and Literacy domain, and we will discuss Motor and Physical Development in the final lesson. 

The Importance of Cognitive Development

Babies start to develop their cognitive skills from birth! The first three years lay the foundation for the more complex cognitive skills children will build as preschoolers.

Watch the video to learn how the first few years of a child’s life is critical to their overall development.

DURING: Explore new concepts

Cognitive Development Milestones

Young children use cognitive skills to make sense of and organize their world. By the time children reach the preschool years, their cognitive skills have grown so much that they can engage in complex mathematical thinking and scientific reasoning.

Take a closer look at the Cognitive Development Milestones for children by reviewing the handout below. 

What do you notice about cognitive development skills (learning, thinking, and problems solving) at each stage?

CDC Developmental Milestones.pdf

AFTER: Extend your learning

Developing cognitive skills forms a foundation for all learning. 

Did you know that play facilitates learning how to problem solve and the development of critical thinking skills? Watch the video to learn more about how play supports cognitive development. 

Exit Ticket: Final Reflection

Reflect on what you learned in this lesson.