The child shows a sudden spurt in cognitive development from age 6-12 months. Many of activities the child learns by his own but the child needs a stimulatory environment. In a stimulatory environment the child learns faster.

During 6-12 months

1. The environmental exploration increases. The child starts reaching and grasping the objects and transfer them from one hand to other hand. During this process the child observes and explores the objects and learn about them.
2. Sometimes the child manipulates them and learn “cause and effect“. Like the child may bang objects to make sound or drop the ball to see rolling.
3. Recognition of his own name and other people increases. As the child grows he can point the family members with their name or relations.
4. The child learns “object permanence“. The child tries to find the hidden object. He understand the object exists even if it is not in front of vision. Object permanence helps in social and emotional development.
5. As the child further grow, the child learns the purposeful use of toys and objects.
6. The child starts relating the gestures with the actions like “ for drinking, “mm”, “Ta Ta”.
7. The child develops the “stranger anxiety” and does not like to go to strangers. This stranger anxiety later changes to “Separation anxiety”.
8. Imitation of simple action increases like smiling, blinking, shake hands etc.

The child loves to repeat activity with appreciation. This appreciation motivates the child to repeat and learn the activities. The caregivers and parents should provide enough opportunities to the child to develop participation and learning.