Abstract Learning for Toddlers

Learning is acquiring new or modify our existing knowledge, skills, behaviour, values or preferences. Abstract reasoning is the ability to analyse information, detect patterns and relationships, and solve problems on a complex, intangible level. The development of abstract thought is a characteristic of kindergarten years. Children use abstract thinking every day when they use objects to represent other things. For e.g. when a child uses her hand as a phone, when a child is doing this he is using a mental image of something that is not present there. 

Being among the best ICSE prep schools in Patiala we are sharing some of the ways a child learns to use his/her abstract thought:

• Dramatic Play

When a child engages in pretend play, he starts developing his abstract thought. In pretend play, a child imaginatively uses a simple object to represent something, and try on a variety of symbolic roles. The abstract thought helps children in all areas of curriculum.

• Reading And Writing

Reading helps a child learn abstract thought as he uses his imagination to think scenarios he is reading in the book. While writing, children uses alphabets which is a kind of symbol system. Thus, when a child scribbles something he makes use of his own symbol set.

• Language

Language skills help a toddler to develop abstract thought as they are very verbal. A child can explain their thoughts and express their ideas in detail. A child verbally tells you about the things he imagined when he read something. A child develops abstract thinking while doing so.

• Problem Solving

In order to develop problem solving skills, one has to learn to think abstractly.  Toddlers can think and provide solutions to the problem without actually thinking about the outcomes. Abstract thinking helps a toddler to gain insight about how to solve a problem and helps them to engage in cause and effect experiments.

• Higher Level Of Thinking

Psychologist Jean Piaget defined the age of 2 to 6 years as preoperational stage as they are on “search for representation”. They are learning to shift from concrete to abstract thinking. It is important to introduce simple graphs and drawings as it helps them to involve in abstract thinking by applying what they have learned.

All of the above factors affect abstract thinking in toddlers. It is imperative that we include such ways of teaching in the curriculum that helps them involve in abstract thinking. At Kaintal Prep School, one of the top ten schools in Patiala, we believe children’s learning in this age paves the way to their further education so a teacher should ensure that not only their abstract thoughts but also their concepts are clear.