Student-Friendly Definition
This means the one we're talking about right now or the one that is close to me.
Hidden Curriculum of Vision
Joint Attention Concept: This
Understanding that this refers to a specific person, object, place, or idea that is close to the speaker or is the current focus of attention. I actually think This is one of the most underestimated concepts in language development. Most people think it's a simple pronoun. It isn't. "This" is a joint attention concept. Sighted children learn "this" because they constantly observe: people pointing eye gaze head turns gestures reaching facial expressions objects being held up shared visual attention A parent says, "...
Also known as: This
Concept snapshot
What this concept means and why it matters
Why Vision Matters
Children who are sighted naturally learn the meaning of this by observing pointing, eye gaze, gestures, facial expressions, and objects that people hold, touch, or look toward. Throughout the day they experience thousands of moments of shared visual attention that help them determine exactly what this refers to. Students with visual impairments may not have...
Why This Matters Long-Term
Understanding this supports orientation and mobility, schedules, reading and mathematics, following directions, organization, anticipation, travel, independent living, and participation in shared routines.
Learning continuum
Where this concept fits
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Where this concept appears
Concept Family
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Temporal, Spatial, and Sequence Concepts - Readiness Framework
Shared readiness framework for concepts in the temporal, spatial, and sequence concepts family.
Complete implementation guidance is member-only.Temporal, Spatial, and Sequence Concepts - Learning Target Framework
Shared learning target framework for concepts in the temporal, spatial, and sequence concepts family.
Complete implementation guidance is member-only.Connected resources
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10 Hidden Curriculum Concepts Every Child Learns Through Vision
A free guide to hidden curriculum concepts that many children learn visually and that may require explicit instruction.
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