C2.1-5 Aspects of Cognitive Development

What is observation and exploration in cognitive development?

It’s how children investigate and make sense of the world around them through looking, touching, listening, and experimenting. Their understanding becomes more complex as they grow and gain experience.

How does children’s understanding change with age and experience?

As children get older, they can notice more details, compare things, make predictions, and understand abstract ideas. Experience helps them connect new information with what they already know.

What is meant by investigating materials?

When children explore objects and substances to learn about their properties, changes, and patterns — for example, noticing textures, what floats or sinks, or how things mix.

What do children learn from exploring similarities and differences?

They develop skills in comparing, classifying, and recognising patterns — important foundations for scientific thinking and problem-solving.

What is problem solving in early cognitive development?

It’s when children figure out how to achieve a goal or fix an issue using cause and effect, logic, and trial and error.

What is an example of cause and effect learning?

A child presses a button on a toy and it makes a sound — they learn that pressing the button causes the sound.

What does trial and error mean in problem solving?

When children try different methods until they find one that works, helping them learn persistence and reasoning.

Why are concentration and memory important in cognitive development?

They allow children to focus on tasks, learn new skills, and remember information, which supports progress in all learning areas.

How can adults support observation and exploration?

By providing safe, stimulating environments with varied materials, asking open-ended questions, and encouraging curiosity.