Milestones
This is the age when most infants begin to sit without support
6-9 months
Infants form this emotional bond with caregivers, shaping future relationships.
attachment
Children learn cultural values, language, and traditions through this process.
experiential play
This theory or practice supports children's symbolic play development using open-ended materials such as sticks, scraps of fabric, and other mis-matched items.
loose parts
Around age 2, children typically combine these to form simple phrases.
words
Peer relationships become especially important during this developmental stage.
early adolescence
This primary environment has the strongest influence on early development.
family
This type of play, common in infants, involves exploring objects with hands and mouth.
This milestone, often reached between 9–15 months, marks a major shift in mobility and exploration.
first steps or walking
This term describes a teen’s exploration of values and sense of self.
identity formation
Teens are especially influenced by this social group, which can shape behaviour and identity.
peers
Teens learn best when activities connect to this.
personal interests and motivations
By early school age, children begin to understand this concept of others having different thoughts and feelings.
perspective
Toddlers often show this behaviour, not as defiance, but as a sign of emerging autonomy.
independence
Access to safe outdoor spaces primarily supports this type of development.
physical
Pretend play supports the development of this cognitive skill related to imagination.
symbolic thinking
Teens experience a burst of growth in this area responsible for planning, decision‑making, and impulse control.
brain
The ability to manage strong emotions and recover from stress is known as this key social‑emotional skill.
regulation
In ECE, we will often refer to the environment as this.
the third teacher
Inquiry‑based learning encourages children to develop these two skills: asking questions and doing this.
investigating