pre math

As early as 6 months, babies begin to understand the concept of number, noticing small groups of one, two or three things. At 12 months, babies begin to compare numbers and amounts, such as determining which cup holds more juice. They also build spatial relations, such as recognizing shapes and their names - mathematical ideas basic to geometry. At around 18 months, as language skills develop, some toddlers display the ability to recite number names in order, and some develop the ability to count things by applying number names to items in order.

Gross and fine motor skills

Involving or relating to coordinated muscle movements, motor skills are broken down into two types -gross (e.g., large muscle movements like those used for holding up the head) and fine (e.g., small, refined muscle movements like those used for grasping). Infants develop from head to toe and from the middle of their bodies out toward their extremities. Children gain control over their neck muscles before those in their torso, the muscles in their arms before those in their hands, and the muscles in their legs before those in their feet.

Music and creativity

Babies begin to interact with objects in creative ways. As imagination grows, pretend play becomes more real and complex. Creativity with words, music (e.g., instrument sounds, learning songs such as the "ABC" song, animal sounds, world music), colours and drawing begins to emerge, eventually leading to the ability to creatively overcome obstacles.