FM.H.76 SEARCHES FOR THE CAUSAL MECHANISM

As a child approaches the 3-year-old level of development, he develops an interest in how things work. When he discovers a new mechanical toy, it is no longer enough to ask someone else to get it going –he must see if he can figure it out for himself. So he searches the toy for buttons or knobs and tries different ways to get it started. A child’s ability to try different ways is clearly evident in this activity.

How to Assess

Materials: A simple wind-up toy.

Method: Show your child the toy in action, without letting him see you wind it up.

Score plus if your child searches the toy to find out how to make it work. He need not to succeed in getting it going to score plus.

How to Teach

Wind-up toys, push-button toys, cars that operate by friction or by a backwards pull and toys that operate when a string is pulled are all useful for encouraging this skill.

Whenever you encounter such a toy, give your child the opportunity to search for the causal mechanism. If he cannot find it, search with him, encouraging him to try different alternatives.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

You might show your child how gadgets around the house can be turned on and off-with an eye to safety, of course. Perhaps he could be shown how to use a simple cassette player.

Remembering and Extending

Continue to give your child the opportunity to work things out for himself as he encounters new toys. When you give him that special birthday present, you will be keen to show him what it can do, but do give him a little time to explore it first.