Childhood Map

Discover the amazing things 5-year-olds are learning — from climbing and jumping to friendships, feelings, and first words on a page. Each skill comes with fun activities you can try together.

Physical & Motor 8 › Sensory 8 › Executive 7 › Cognitive 6 › Language 5 › Communication 5 › Emotional 5 › Social 6 › Self-Care 7 › Literacy 4 › Math 5 › Creative & Artistic 5 › World & Science 5 ›

Communication & Pragmatics

The social use of language — how children use verbal and non-verbal means to interact, share meaning, and navigate social situations.

Sources (5)

Head Start ELOF (Language & Communication)
SLP Standards (Pragmatic Language)
CASEL (Relationship Skills)
UK EYFS (Communication & Language)
Teaching Strategies GOLD

5 Subdomains

Conversational Skills › Social & Pragmatic Language › Theory of Mind › Narrative & Discourse Skills › Non-Verbal Communication ›

Theory of Mind

Understanding that others have thoughts, beliefs, knowledge, and intentions different from one's own (emerging at ages 4-5).

Examples & Achievements

Understands that someone can hold a false belief
Realizes that a friend might want a different toy than they want
Can explain why someone might feel differently about a situation
Understands that someone who did not see something happen does not know about it
Begins to understand deception and surprise

How to Measure

Classic false belief task (Sally-Anne or equivalent) - passes at age 4-5
Unexpected contents task (Smarties box with pencils inside)
Can explain why a character in a story feels a certain way based on their knowledge/perspective
Diverse desires task (understanding others want different things)

Sources (3)

Piaget
Vygotsky
Developmental Psychology Research

Theory of Mind

Understanding that others have thoughts, beliefs, knowledge, and intentions different from one's own (emerging at ages 4-5).

Examples & Achievements

Understands that someone can hold a false belief
Realizes that a friend might want a different toy than they want
Can explain why someone might feel differently about a situation
Understands that someone who did not see something happen does not know about it
Begins to understand deception and surprise

How to Measure

Classic false belief task (Sally-Anne or equivalent) - passes at age 4-5
Unexpected contents task (Smarties box with pencils inside)
Can explain why a character in a story feels a certain way based on their knowledge/perspective
Diverse desires task (understanding others want different things)

Sources

Piaget
Vygotsky
Developmental Psychology Research