Early Childhood Indicators of Progress

Approaches to Learning

The emphasis of this domain is on acquiring language and literacy for a variety of purposes. During the preschool period, children are learning to use language to communicate needs, interact socially with others, and share ideas, thoughts, and feelings. They are increasing both their spoken and written language abilities.

Strategies community members and policymakers can use to promote development in children's approaches to learning.

Children Show Progress in Curiosity When They:*

  1. Show eagerness and a sense of wonder as a learner
  2. Show interest in discovering and learning new things

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's curiosity.

Children Show Progress in Risk-Taking When They:*

  1. Choose new as well as a variety of familiar activities
  2. Use a variety of strategies to solve problems

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's risk taking.

Children Show Progress in Imagination and Invention When They:*

  1. Approach tasks and experiences with flexibility, imagination, and inventiveness
  2. Use new ways or novel strategies to solve problems or explore objects
  3. Try out various pretend roles in play or with make-believe objects

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's risk taking.

Children Show Progress in Persistence When They:*

  1. Work at a task despite distractions or interruptions
  2. Seek and/or accept help or information when needed
  3. Demonstrate ability to complete a task or stay engaged in an experience

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's persistence.

Children Show Progress in Reflection and Interpretation When They:*

  1. Approach tasks and experiences with flexibility, imagination, and inventiveness
  2. Use new ways or novel strategies to solve problems or explore objects
  3. Try out various pretend roles in play or with make-believe objects

Strategies family members and teachers and caregivers can use to facilitate children's reflection and interpretation .

* These indicators apply to children in the preschool period of ages three to five. They are based on expectations for children approximately four years of age.