I

Approaches to Learning

A

Curiosity and Interest

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

15–24 months – See this age across all domains Toddlers

What educators might observe

• Points to objects, vocalizes, and looks to educator to identify the object
• Brings objects they are curious about to an educator
• Takes things apart
• When walking outside, stops to examine objects, such as a leaf
• Will play with one object again and again (e.g., asks to hear the same book, and books on the same topic, again and again)

B

Initiative

Child pursues their own goals.

15–24 months – See this age across all domains Toddlers

What educators might observe

• Vocalizes to express desire for an object or curiosity about it, with such phrases as “Dis?”
• Tries activities that their educator suggests they engage in (e.g., goes down the slide after their caregiver suggests it)
• Is inspired by the activities of their peers (e.g., after seeing another child push a doll stroller, tries to take the doll stroller and push it themselves)
• Looks or points at activities that they are interested in participating in

C

Persistence and Attentiveness

Child focuses on tasks and perseveres in accomplishing them.

15–24 months – See this age across all domains Toddlers

What educators might observe

• Tries many ways of getting to an object that is out of reach
• Wants to do favorite activities and practice developing skills over and over again (e.g., repeatedly jumps off low step)
• Continues to try a difficult task when a caregiver sits close to them

D

Creativity and Inventiveness

Child uses their imagination to create and invent.

15–24 months – See this age across all domains Toddlers

What educators might observe

• Invents new uses for everyday materials ( e.g., bangs on pots and pans)
• Tries different combinations of objects (e.g., tries to fit small blocks into a peg sorter)
• Imitates adult’s idea (e.g., following educator’s example to makes themselves a necklace by stringing large beads or tubes together)