Selects toys and items with an intended purpose

Your toddler has been exploring objects and has started to use objects as tools to solve a problem. Now, when they play you might notice they seem to have more of a goal in mind and will select particular toys linked to this goal.  

Goals and executive functions 

Executive functions are cognitive skills that enable us to plan, manage attention to focus on achieving a goal, remember and use information from our memory alongside information from our senses (working memory) and to inhibit our responses. [1] These skills develop gradually during childhood and into early adulthood. The development of these skills is supported by experiences and interactions, and is linked to brain development, as these skills are controlled by the prefrontal cortex.  

Your baby might be beginning to demonstrate the development of their executive functions as they play with a goal in mind. Their goal might not be clear to you straight away but as you watch them play you might notice a clear intention behind the choices they make. When you play with them your comments can help them to think about and maintain attention on their goal [2]. Sometimes watching for a little while first might help you to understand what they want to do, then you can play with them and help them to think about achieving their goal. They might find it difficult to plan and consider possibilities at first but through your comments you could model this thinking. For example, you might comment, “You are putting the cow on top of the tower. I wonder if standing on your step could help you reach?” 

As they begin to show more intention in their play, your role can be noticing their interests and intentions and supporting them with their goals. You can also help them to develop these skills by talking in simple terms about what you are doing. For example, you might say, “I need to make lunch now. I will get the bread from the cupboard. I wonder what we could have on our sandwiches?” Your baby might not understand all the words you say but as you talk through the things that you are doing they will see how you plan and carry out actions to achieve a goal. If your baby comments or makes a gesture to contribute to what you are saying, responding to them will also help them to develop their thinking skills.  

What next?  

Your child will gradually be able to focus on their goals for longer. As their cognitive skills develop they will begin to pretend as they play and will when they are older introduce a storyline into their play.  

References 

[1] Fleer, M. Walker, S, White, A., Veresov, N. & Duhn, I. (2020) Playworlds as an evidenced-based model of practice for the intentional teaching of executive functions. Early Years,  https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2020.1835830 

[2] Liang Li (2020): Developing a pedagogy of play: toddlers’ conceptual learning in a PlayWorld, Early Years, https://doi: 10.1080/09575146.2020.1739002