Before developing thinking skills, infants and toddlers are believed to acquire what?

Infants and toddlers initially develop foundational skills that facilitate their later cognitive development, and among these, language skills play a pivotal role. Language is crucial for establishing communication and social interactions, which are essential components of thinking. As children begin to understand and use language, they can express their thoughts, ask questions, and engage with their surroundings in more complex ways. This foundational aspect of communication supports cognitive development by enabling them to process information, categorize experiences, and form connections with others.

In contrast, while walking abilities, emotional intelligence, and fine motor skills are important milestones, they do not have the same direct impact on the development of thinking skills as language does. Walking abilities enhance physical exploration, emotional intelligence fosters relationships, and fine motor skills improve dexterity. However, language skills specifically bridge the gap between experiences and cognitive understanding, empowering infants and toddlers to build upon their thinking processes.