Four-year-old Nathaniel works diligently to fit vehicle-shaped pieces into a puzzle form board that makes matching noises when a piece is fully seated. Notice that Nathaniel does not select a puzzle piece and then search for its matching hole. Rather, Nathaniel works to complete the puzzle by selecting an empty hole before locating the corresponding piece. Occasionally he orients a piece incorrectly and struggles to complete the fit. On several occasions, when he gets stuck on one piece, Nathaniel unseats and reseats another piece previously placed. This “success” seems to restore his confidence and willingness to attack the troublesome piece. Observe how Nathaniel is able to apply himself and repeatedly pursue his goal of completing the puzzle throughout consecutive turns.

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