I

Approaches to Learning

A

Curiosity and Interest

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

24–36 months – See this age across all domains Toddlers

What educators might observe

• Asks simple questions involving what, where, and why; may not attend to the answer
• Asks questions about where people are when they can’t be seen
• Will approach things, or devise ways to reach items of curiosity, such as pulling over a chair to reach a table

B

Initiative

Child pursues their own goals.

24–36 months – See this age across all domains Toddlers

What educators might observe

• Finds ways to accomplish their own goals, such as climbing onto a table to reach something up high
• Explores on their own and then returns to educator (i.e., runs to see something that looks interesting to them and then circles back to educator)
• Tells an educator what they want to do

C

Persistence and Attentiveness

Child focuses on tasks and perseveres in accomplishing them.

24–36 months – See this age across all domains Toddlers

What educators might observe

• Sits on a caregiver’s lap while they read a board book from start to finish
• Maintains their focus on a desired outcome
  • Stacks large cardboard blocks until they balance
  • Completes 3–5 piece puzzle
  • Pushes and pulls a wagon up a hill

D

Creativity and Inventiveness

Child uses their imagination to create and invent.

24–36 months – See this age across all domains Toddlers

What educators might observe

• Uses everyday objects in imaginary play (e.g., picks up sticks and pretends they are swords)
• Experiments with using various materials to solve problems (e.g., places a block on a stack of papers that is blowing away)
• Dresses up as characters, (e.g., wraps scarf around neck and pretends to be a superhero)