What really matters- Developing sense of self while Figuring out the world- properties of containers. Again, exploring the world of everyday objects helps enforce a strong sense of self. Like most babies, Whit became more and more fascinated with putting objects in containers and then dumping them out. She could do this again and again. This is another prime example of Whit exploring and figuring out her world. She gradually learned that these objects can be lifted by the rim, can make the hand disappear, have an opening to a bottom, can hold smaller objects, can be used to lift stuff, can carry several smaller objects, and can even contain a smaller container. While figuring all this out, Whit was exercising all sorts of skills, putting her knowledge into action and developing important dispositions for learning.

How to put it into practice-

Tuning into what your baby is figuring out and what they already now can be alot of fun. I would discover what Whitney knew by trying different games with them. For example, I would make a little clown doll disappear inside her can.  Then I would see if she picked up the can to get the doll.   If she retrieved the doll by picking up the can, it implies she knows that the can has a bottom.  I would also place the doll in the can and move it, to see if she would search for the doll inside the can.  Always trying to observe the difference between interest in the doll and interest in the can itself, then infering what she knows and better extending and challenging her at the right level.

Discovering & developing Whit’s story-