Tiger Cubs Learning Goals

1.5 to 2.5 Years Olds

The indicators in each of these eight content areas have been developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and are listed in developmentally appropriate order as well. These skills build upon those outlined for the previous classroom(s). 

Emergent Language

Listening and Understanding

• Responds to simple directions and questions

• Repeats words said by others

• Listens to short stories

• Follows simple directions

Speaking and Communicating

• Uses two-word sentences

• Continually uses more complex vocabulary

• Begins to clearly pronounce words 

Emergent Literacy

Phonemic Awareness

• Recognizes some sounds in the environment and common animal sounds

• Repeats Rhyming Words 

Book Knowledge/Print Awareness ​

• Begins to become engaged in books that are read aloud

• Recognizes familiar books read previously

• Pretends to read books 

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Early Writing

• Begins to scribble spontaneously

• Begins to experiment with writing instruments

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Alphabet Knowledge

• Begins to recognize and distinguish alphabet symbols from other symbols

Emergent Mathematics

Geometric, Spatial Sense and Numbers

• Can explore with materials

• Begins to understand spatial relationships (under, over, behind, around)

• Begins to match and sort colors and like items 

Emergent Social, Emotional

Self Concept and Self Control

• Shows a variety of emotions

• Begins to manage emotions and feelings

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Cooperation and Social Relationships

• Becomes aware of others' emotions

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Knowledge of Families

• Understand being part of a family 

Emergent Creative Arts

Music and Movement

• Begins to sing words of songs

• Can use rhythm instruments during a song 

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Art

• Explores drawing, painting, and modeling with different materials 

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Dramatic Play 

• Uses objects in pretend play to imitate real life 

Emergent Approaches To Learning

Initiative, Curiosity and Engagement

• Begins to imitate how others solve problems in a variety of ways

• Uses familiar objects in common ways

• Continues an activity despite distractions 

Emergent Science

Scientific Skills and Knowledge

• Explores materials using all senses

• Begins to recognize individual body parts

• Begins to use trial-and-error approaches to solve problems

• Displays observation skills 

Emergent Physical, Health & Safety

Motor Skills

• Begins to run and attempts to jump

• Participates in a variety of large- muscle activities

• Begins to demonstrate eye-hand coordination

• Begins throwing, catching, and kicking objects

• Passes small objects from one hand to the other

Health and Safety

• Begins to demonstrate independence in hygiene