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Opposites is one of those great early years themes that can elevate children to a higher level of thinking. Saying just one such word as 'hot', 'small', 'naughty' or 'high' implies automatically another that has a direct relationship with it, but means something completely different - 'cold', 'big', 'good', 'low'. Making the connection between these words requires a huge conceptual journey for children. Opposites give us a fuller and more accurate understanding of properties, as they are either side of a continuum. At one end is 'hot' and at the other 'cold', and in between there are 'warm', 'lukewarm', and a range of temperature that can be measured.

Opposites give us a fuller and more accurate understanding of properties, as they are either side of a continuum. At one end is 'hot' and at the other 'cold', and in between there are 'warm', 'lukewarm', and a range of temperature that can be measured.

Very young children will have some understanding of opposites, such as 'big' and 'little'. These will feel like absolute definitions to them, and it is only as they gain experience that they will begin to see that these are comparative terms.

Young children may see themselves as 'little', with adults and older children as 'big'. A new baby will make them realise that they are sometimes 'big'.

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