Key Notes
- The four stages of cognitive development are: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational
- Each stage is characterized by different skills and abilities that children develop as they grow and mature
- Understanding the milestones associated with each stage can help you to better support and nurture your child's intellectual growth and development
In this article, we will discuss each stage in detail and explain how they impact a child’s learning process. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development is one of the most well-known and widely accepted theories in psychology. It has helped us to better understand how children learn and develop intellectually.
If you are a parent or educator, it is important to be familiar with these stages so that you can provide appropriate support and guidance for your child or student!
Who Was Jean Piaget?
Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist who is best known for his theory of cognitive development. He was born in 1896 and died in 1980. Piaget’s theory is based on the idea that children go through four distinct stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Each stage is characterized by different intellectual abilities and behaviors. He did a lot of work on child development and published several books.
Children Develop and Grow Differently
It is important to keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace. Just because a child is of a certain age does not mean they will automatically be at the same stage as other children their age. This is normal and to be expected! Some children may progress through the stages faster than others, while some may move more slowly. Each child is unique and will develop at their own rate.
Jean Piaget 4 Stages of Cognitive Development
Sensorimotor: Birth through ages 18-24 months
In this stage, children learn about the world through their senses and motor activities. They are beginning to understand that objects exist even when they cannot see them.
The sensorimotor stage is the first of the four Jean Piaget stages of cognitive development. It begins at birth and lasts until around 18-24 months old. During this stage, infants learn about the world through their senses and motor activities. They are beginning to understand that objects exist even when they cannot see them.
Preoperational: Ages Toddlerhood to – 7 Years
In this stage, children learn through symbols and language. They are able to use their imaginations and think about things that are not physically present. However, they still have difficulty understanding concepts such as quantity and time.
The preoperational stage is the second of the four Jean Piaget stages of cognitive development. It begins at around 24 months old and lasts until till 7 years old. During this stage, children learn through symbols and language. They are able to use their imaginations and think about things that are not physically present. However, they still have difficulty understanding concepts such as quantity and time.
Concrete operational: Ages 7 Years To 11 Years
In this stage, children are able to think logically about concrete objects and events. They understand the passage of time and can perform mental operations such as addition and subtraction.
The concrete operational stage is the third of the four Jean Piaget stages of cognitive development. It begins at around 7 years old and lasts until around 108 months old. During this stage, children are able to think logically about concrete objects and events. They understand the passage of time and can perform mental operations such as addition and subtraction.
Formal operational: Adolescence and adulthood
The formal operational stage is the fourth and final of the Jean Piaget stages of cognitive development. It begins in adolescence and lasts into adulthood. During this stage, people are able to think abstractly and solve problems logically. They can understand hypothetical situations and make plans for the future.
In this stage, people are able to think abstractly and solve problems logically. They can understand hypothetical situations and make plans for the future. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development has helped us to better understand how children learn and develop intellectually. If you are a parent or educator, it is important to be familiar with these stages so that you can provide appropriate support and guidance for your child or student!
These Categories Can Be Divided Into Sub Categories
It is important to keep in mind that the four Jean Piaget stages of cognitive development are not concrete. They are merely categories that can be divided into subcategories. For example, the sensorimotor stage can be divided into six subcategories:
- reflexes (birth- month)
- primary circular reactions (month- months)
- secondary circular reactions (months- years)
- coordination of secondary schemes (years- years)
- tertiary circular reactions (years onwards)
- mental operations (adolescence and adulthood)
Understanding the subcategories can help you to better understand your child’s or students cognitive development. If you are concerned about your child’s or student’s progress, it is always best to consult with a professional such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or educational therapist.
What Is The Importance of Jean Piaget Theory of Cognitive Development?
Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development is one of the most well-known and widely accepted theories in psychology. It has helped us to better understand how children learn and develop intellectually. If you are a parent or educator, it is important to be familiar with these stages so that you can provide appropriate support and guidance for your child or student!
The four stages of cognitive development are: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Each stage is characterized by different skills and abilities that children develop as they grow and mature. Understanding the milestones associated with each stage can help you to better support and nurture your child’s intellectual growth and development.
Understanding These Stages Will Help You Become More Informed about Your Child’s Development
If you are a parent or educator, it is important to be familiar with the Jean Piaget stages of cognitive development. This will help you become more informed about your child’s development and better equipped to provide support and guidance. It is also important to keep in mind that these stages are not concrete.