To support our wonderful parents, this information is very helpful for you.
Stages of Child Development
There are 4 distinct stages in the development of children which can guide us These cognitive stages were recognized by a famous scientist Jean Piaget in 1952;
1. Sensorimotor Stage: Birth to 2 years. Children are exploring during this stage and learning about the world through their senses and manipulation of objects. It’s not always toys but any object will be fascinating to a child – just make sure its safe and non-toxic.
2. Preoperational Stage: Ages 2 to 7. Imagination begins to develop and some children even have imaginary friends or make up stories. Memory develops further and the idea of past and future is understood.
3. Concrete Operational Stage: Ages 7 to 11. This is when a child becomes more aware of external events, their own feelings and the feelings of others. Empathy with other people is developed and an understanding that not everyone agrees with their thoughts and beliefs.
4. Formal Operational Stage: Ages 11 and above. Here logic is used to solve problems around them – these are real world problems with real consequences and this age is ever evolving to one of more experiences and maturity.
As you can see a child simply won’t be able to develop certain cognitive skills at an early age. Some intellectual skills simply are not fully understood by a younger child in the same way as an older one. There may be certain areas in which the child excels but overall a younger child is limited in overall cognitive abilities. What can be achieved is simply introducing children to these paradigms and concepts in a simple way so when they move to the next stage of development they already have some of the fundamental tools to accurately interpret their new understandings.
Play, art and craft, games, construction activities, exploration activities, all types of puzzles are essential for successful growth and cognitive development at each stage, as well as for developing self-awareness and confidence, a key factor for future success.
A positive and rewarding home and school environment is also a key for developing self-awareness and confidence, a key factor for future success.
Praise and acceptance is a determining growth factor. Rebuke and punishment can be replaced by the more powerful tools in establishing desired attitudes and behaviours, through recognition, praising and rewarding of good behaviour and positive attitudes.
- ☛Activities for successful growth
- ☛The Benefit of Games
- ☛Early Years – support for Parents
- ☛FS1 to Year1 – Link for Parents
- ☛Parent-Links EYFS 4-HowTo….