What does the term "intentionality" in child development refer to?

The term "intentionality" in child development refers to the ability of a child to construct a plan or act with purpose toward a goal. When a child demonstrates intentionality, they are not merely reacting to their environment; instead, they are engaging in purposeful behavior that indicates they are thinking ahead, making choices, and taking action to achieve desired outcomes. This concept is fundamental in understanding how children develop cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and social interactions.

Intentionality encompasses a range of developmental skills, including the ability to set goals, evaluate options, and choose appropriate actions to achieve those goals. This is a key aspect of cognitive development, as it shows that children are beginning to understand their own agency and the effects of their actions on the world around them, thereby laying the foundation for more complex thoughts and behaviors in the future.