One sign of intelligence is the ability to observe or discern patterns and to make connections between two separate objects. We use this analytical ability when we compare and contrast, evaluate, and size up a situation.

Count the number of houses you see, or yellow schoolbuses, or red cars the next time you take your child in the car. When you’re on line at the supermarket, ask “Are we next? Who’s first, second, or last in line?” Notice shapes and sizes. Look for simple geometric shapes when you go out for a walk. Does your child sees any circles or squares? A car ride or walk in the park can be the basis for a rousing game of I-Spy.

Try This At Home: Set up a scavenger hunt. Make a list of objects or shapes you want to find beforehand. For preschoolers, you can cut out pictures of what you’re looking for and paste them next to the word. It’s fun to do this in a museum or on a nature walk, but you also can do one at home, or on your next trip to the supermarket.