ABSTRACT
Engagement leads to learning, that is, understanding and retention of content; it is no wonder it is a key goal for most schools. Philosopher René Descartes described intelligence as having two components: perspicacity and sagacity. While both are highly valued, higher-order skills, they begin with, among others, the simple executive function skill of the ability to change perspectives: an executive function skill that paves the way for greater engagement with content. To gain an understanding of place value, students must be able to change perspective from viewing a collection of objects as single units to viewing them also as groups of ten. Teachers can build perspective activities into any subject area and grade level. As young children explore the world around them, they learn that apples, bananas, and grapes are all fruits; spinach, carrots, and lettuce are all vegetables. Categorization is a tool used to organize information.
