The Basic Concepts Programme - A programme for children who experience learning difficulties

What are Basic Concepts?

Basic concepts refer to those words, terms and prepositions which assist us in the perception and description of the world. The main concepts relate to the spatial and temporal dimensions of human reality. These concepts are usually learned as an integral part of the process of language acquisition within the framework of the home, kindergarten and school. Learning these concepts not only enriches the development of language in children but also equips them with some of the necessary tools to develop their thinking processes. A child who learns the names of colours or the names of geometrical shapes, acquires tools by which he/she will be able to perceive stimuli in his/her surroundings in a more adequate and precise manner. When objects are defined by attributes such as colour and shape they become easier to scan and remember. In paying attention to these attributes the path towards the organization of the environment has been laid. Objects that remain nameless are at risk of being perceived in a hazy way (such as not seeing the difference between a square and a rectangle) with imprecise border definitions. Once an object has been defined by its attributes its unique character is highlighted. The knowledge of these attributes enables the child to become more familiar with the object itself and in addition encourages him/her to refer to the same attributes when looking at other objects. In this way matching activities may begin and comparative behaviour can emerge and be learned. This process will be facilitated when time has been invested in laying the foundation of basic concepts. Consequently, acquiring basic concepts will help the child to learn to perform mental operations (such as comparing, classifying, inferring) which constitute the goals of cognitive development.

Adapted From: Feuerstein, R; Mintzker, Y; Ben-Shacher, N; & Cohen, M (1993). Mediated Learning Experience: Guidelines for Parents (Taxonomy of Basic Concepts, Adaptive Behaviours and Skills, and Primary Cognitive Behaviours). Jerusalem.