I

Approaches to Learning

A

Curiosity and Interest

Child approaches the world with curiosity and develops knowledge about specific topics.

0–9 months – See this age across all domains Infants

Ways educators might support the child's development

• Observe, record, and reflect on the child’s movement, responses, reactions, and gestures
• Invite the child to participate in exploring their senses by naming them (e.g., “Yes, you feel the sun on your face. It is warm. Oh no. No more sun. I wonder where the sun goes. Oh Mr. Sun where did you go?”)
• Listen to the sounds of nature together:
  • Rain falling
  • Birds chirping
  • Older children playing
  • Leaves rustling the trees
  • Dogs barking
  • Wind chimes

B

Initiative

Child pursues their own goals.

0–9 months – See this age across all domains Infants

Ways educators might support the child's development

• Allow the child to freely explore the learning environment
• Remove items such as bouncers and electronic swings that restrict a baby’s movement
• Place interesting and appealing materials in the child’s line of sight, so they can choose what objects and materials to move toward and take initiative to explore
• Allow the baby to feel and mouth the books and objects

C

Persistence and Attentiveness

Child focuses on tasks and perseveres in accomplishing them.

0–9 months – See this age across all domains Infants

Ways educators might support the child's development

• Respond to the child’s need for rest and nourishment as a precursor to the child being attentive and persistent
• Create time in the day in which the educator sits on the floor with the child as they freely engage with materials of interests
• Enthusiastically mirror a child’s delight and joy
• Be present for the child; hold them for extended periods while singing, humming, and sharing spontaneous stories aloud
• Remove screens and electronic toys from the learning environment in order to foster deep and meaningful engagements

D

Creativity and Inventiveness

Child uses their imagination to create and invent.

0–9 months – See this age across all domains Infants

Ways educators might support the child's development

• Meet the needs of the children so they experience trust, happiness, and joy
• Have fun with the child— laugh, sing, giggle, and dance
• Include pictures of babies and children showing different emotions from different cultures in the learning environment
• Provide a variety of teethers that are different sizes, and textures and that make different gentle sounds