PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to propose a protocol for the observation of expressive language and cognition development during sensorimotor and the beginning of pre-operatory periods that could be used as a tool for the objective analysis of children's productions, allowing the localization and follow-up of these children during this construction process. METHODS: The Protocol for Expressive Language and Cognition Development Observation (PELCDO) was based on literature concerning the indicators of early expressive language and cognition development. The PELCDO was applied in typically developing children, with the aim to verify its viability and to identify possible doubts or difficulties during its management or data analysis. Judges were used for the selection of the indicators of cognitive and expressive language development. RESULTS: The Protocol has four tables that comprise the indicators of early expressive language and cognition development, as well as its related score, according to the child's performance. CONCLUSION: The Protocol presented in this study is an attempt to systematize the observation of longitudinal data regarding language and cognition development, during the sensorimotor and beginning of pre-operatory periods. Such Protocol not only allows the child's localization, but also makes possible to follow the individual along the knowledge and language construction process on these early developmental stages.
Cognition; Language development; Protocols
