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 Physical/Sensory Motor Development
The interactive map is available at www.yasenik-
graham.com and select the trainee portal button. The
online version includes charts, tables, short video clips, and
additional readings.

Cognitive Development And
Language

As noted by (Linder, 2001) early cognitive
development is comprised of a number
categories of play, that combined, increase

cognition. Categories of play include: exploratory/sensory
motor play, relational play, constructive play, dramatic
play, games with rules, rough-and-tumble play. Attention
span development, early object use, symbolic and
representational play, gestural imitation, problem-solving
approaches, discrimination/classification, one-to-one
correspondence, sequencing ability and drawing ability are
also all part of cognitive development. As an example of the
emerging complexity in play, a 1 year old can combine two
blocks, the 2 year old can stack blocks and knock them
down, but true constructive play (manipulation of objects
for the purpose of constructing or creating something) is
not predominant until 3 - 3.5 years of age. This example is
one of many observable actions indicative of cognitive
development.

During early childhood, play skills and sensory experiences
are essential building blocks to increasingly complex
cognitive development. Toddlers are intensely interested in
understanding their own bodies and the physical and social