Birth - Age 3 Glossary of Terms

Algebra- In mathematics when letters and other general symbols are used to represent numbers and quantities in equations

Attention - An ability to focus; take all stimuli in environment and focus the mind on one thing

Capacity- The maximum amount that a child can understand or complete an activity at certain developmental times.

Comparison- Observing the similarities and differences between items

Competence - The ability to perform a task, action, or function successfully

Cooperative Play - Any organized recreation among a group of children in which activities are planned for the purpose of achieving some goal

Coping- to deal effectively with a problem or something difficult

Curiosity - A desire to learn or know about something; an inquisitiveness

Engagement - Ability to express oneself physically, cognitively, and emotionally during an activity; to feel a connection or a strong bond to work

Geometry- A term in mathematics concerned with the properties and relations of points, lines, surfaces, solids, and shapes

Nurturing- To support and encourage towards development

Operations- An action or procedure which produces a new understanding

Parallel Play - A developmental stage of social development; an activity in which children play with toys like those the children around them are using, but child is absorbed in his/her own activity; usually play beside rather than with one another

Persistence - The steady continuance of an action in spite of obstacles or difficulties

Pretend Play - Using an object to represent something else while giving it action and motion; actively experimenting with the social and emotional roles of life; can build skills in many developmental areas

Reciprocal- given, felt, or done in return.

Receptive Language- the ability to understand or comprehend what is being said

Resilience - The ability to cope with and bounce back from all types of challenges. A person thrives, matures and increases competence by drawing on biological, psychological and environmental resources

Rote- using repetition to learn something, like counting

Routine- a regular and typical schedule of daily activities, chores, and tasks

Temperament - The combination of mental, physical, and emotional traits of a person; natural predisposition

Tummy Time- an event where the baby lays on their tummy to play while the parent supervises and interacts. This supports muscle development and bonding.

Validate- to approve or confirm a child's emotions that they are showing you