To the untrained eye, many of the common activities in early childhood settings may not seem educational. In reality, research shows that these activities are actually learning tools that promote children's intellectual development. Why do we sort blocks and sing nursery rhymes with children, and what do they learn from these activities? Intellectual Development answers these questions and investigates the link between the best practices in early childhood education and the science of child development. This book will help teachers answer the question "Why do we do what we do?" Chapters cover language and literacy development, early number learning, and musical and artistic development. The book also contains information on early learning standards, practice tips, and recommended readings