Theory of Child Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget has allowed us many insights into child cognitive development and his valuable research made great inroads concerning brain functioning in general. According to Piaget and his theories on child cognitive development, children are born with a great desire to interact with and understand the world around them.

The term child cognitive development refers to how a " child perceives, thinks and gains understanding of the world through interaction and influence of genetic and learned factors "(plotnik-1999} According to Piaget, four areas define intelligence and child brain development and these include: a biological approach to intelligence; the cognitive succession of stages; knowledge; intellectual competence.

Many preschool and other child cognitive development programs are based on Piagets theories regarding child cognitive development and instruct that the parent or teacher challenge the child's abilities while taking care not to introduce concepts which are beyond his understanding. Combine this with hands-on experiences, game playing and field trips, as well as craft making and you have the basis of the full learning program derived from Piaget's research materials on child cognitive development.

Piaget divided child brain development into further categories as follows: The sensor motor child cognitive development stage, where intelligence is shown thru motor activity with a strong lack of symbols. Interaction at this stage of child cognitive development is fully dependant on the environment and object permanence is achieved at 7 months of age. Natural child cognitive development and increased mobility allows for new intellectual ability at this stage.

The pre-operational child cognitive development stage occurs in toddlers and during early childhood. Intelligence is shown thru basic symbol usage and language increases as well during this child cognitive development stage. Egocentric thinking begins to dominate but is achieved in a non-logical and non-reversible manner. This child cognitive development period also sees a more developed imagination with vastly improved memory.

A further period of child brain development is reached during the elementary and early adolescent years. Intelligence is shown by the increased use of symbols and language understanding also increases. Egocentric thought is diminished during this time of child cognitive development, while operational thinking relating to reversible actions increases dramatically.

During the formal operational stage of child cognitive development, intelligence is demonstrated through the use of symbols in relation to abstract concepts. This period of child cognitive development occurs during adolescence and young adulthood and shows a return to egocentric thought patterns during the early phase of this stage.

Piaget's research methods regarding child cognitive development were based on his own case studies. Many of his ideas on child cognitive development have been supported by ongoing study in this field. However, several of his theories on child cognitive development and child brain development have not been corroborated by further research and remain shadowy and unproven.

Anyone wishing to research child cognitive development in any depth would do well to begin with the findings of Jean Piaget and go on from that point. Many well-researched books and articles are easily available for anyone wishing to understand the vast field of child cognitive development and we have Piaget to thank for opening many doors in this area! Ongoing research into child cognitive development will certainly unveil many more guidelines in the near future.

Copyright 2005

Child Cognitive Development Resources

In The News:

Yahoo! News: Top Stories

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., holds up a print-out of a New York Times article as he testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, before a Financial Services Committee hearing on the automotive industry bailout.  (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)AP - A Democratic Congress, unwilling or unable to approve a $25 billion bailout for Detroit's Big Three, appears ready to punt the automakers' fate to a lame-duck Republican president.



Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 in Washington, before the House Financial Services Committee.  (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)AP - Pounded by a fierce financial crisis, the country is sinking deeper into economic despair and is likely to be in the hole well into next year, forcing more Americans into the ranks of the unemployed.



Rev. Amos Brown,  a national board member of the NAACP, raises his hands as he speaks to a large crowd of supporters of same-sex marriage, as they cheer in front of San Francisco City Hall on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008.  Thousands of demonstrators gathered to listen to speakers and protest the passage of Proposition 8, a ballot measure amending California's constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The event is part of a simultaneous protest planned in in hundreds of communities.  (AP Photo/Darryl Bush)AP - California's highest court agreed Wednesday to hear several legal challenges to the state's new ban on same-sex marriage but refused to allow gay couples to resume marrying before it rules.



In this Aug. 27, 2008 file photo, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle speaks during the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Daschle has accepted President-elect Barack Obama's offer to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, Democratic officials said Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)AP - Barack Obama is enlisting former Senate leader Tom Daschle as his health secretary, embracing a third Washington insider in the early stages of Cabinet-building by the president-elect who promised change. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the capital's most famous woman for two decades, seemed ever more likely to be his secretary of state.



A gopher frog sits in the hand of Audubon Zoo curator Nick hanna  in New Orleans, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008.  For the first time in 10 years, a pond in south Mississippi got enough rain this year to let gopher frogs, one of the nation's most endangered animals, turn from tadpole to frog without human help.  (AP Photo/Bill Haber)AP - Animals and plants in danger of becoming extinct could lose the protection of government experts who make sure that dams, highways and other projects don't pose a threat, under regulations the Bush administration is set to put in place before President-elect Obama can reverse them.



U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, left, and Vice President Dick Cheney are shown in this 2006 file photo at the White House. Cheney and Gonzales have been indicted on state charges involving federal prisons in a South Texas county that has been a source of bizarre legal and political battles under the outgoing prosecutor. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, file)AP - A Texas judge has set a Friday arraignment for Vice President Dick Cheney, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and others named in indictments accusing them of responsibility for prisoner abuse in a federal detention center.



In this image provided by NASA shows an extravehicular activity (EVA) tool bag drifting away from the International Space Station during the mission's first scheduled spacewalk Tuesday Nov. 18, 2008. The astronaut who lost her tool bag on a spacewalk, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, admitted Wednesday that she made a mistake by not checking to see if the sack was tied down, and said she's still smarting over the whole thing. (AP Photo/NASA)AP - The astronaut who lost her tool bag on a spacewalk admitted Wednesday that she made a mistake by not checking to see if the sack was tied down, and said she's still smarting over the whole thing.



Israeli archaeologist Prof. Ehud Netzer walks in the mausoleum at the fortress of Herodium, in the West Bank, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, the place where Israeli archaeologists are excavating what they believe is the tomb of biblical King Herod.  Israeli archaeologist Prof. Ehud Netzer announced at a press conference on Wednesday,  that analysis of newly revealed items found at the site of what they believe is King Herod's mausoleum at Herodium, have provided researchers with further proof of the site being the actual grave site of the Jewish King. (AP photos/Bernat Armangue)AP - King Herod may have been buried in a crypt with lavish Roman-style wall paintings of a kind previously unseen in the Middle East, Israeli archaeologists said Wednesday. The scientists found such paintings and signs of a regal two-story mausoleum, bolstering their conviction that the ancient Jewish monarch was buried there.



This Sunday, June 1, 2008 file photo shows Benji Madden, of Good Charlotte, and Paris Hilton at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles. Paris Hilton and her boyfriend of nine months, Benji Madden, have broken up. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file)AP - Paris Hilton and her boyfriend of nine months, Benji Madden, have broken up.



Dallas Mavericks' Jason Terry (31) drives around Houston Rockets' Luis Scola (4), of Argentina, during the fourth quarter of a NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 in Houston. The Mavericks beat the Rockets 96-86. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)AP - The Dallas Mavericks didn't need Josh Howard as much as the Houston Rockets missed Yao Ming on Wednesday night.



A trader listens to a colleague on the floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange in Makati City, Manila November 6, 2008. (Darren Whiteside/Reuters)Reuters - A 6 percent fall in Asia pushed world stocks to their lowest in 5- years on Thursday, while oil fell below $53 and safe havens such as the yen gained on fears the global recession and a financial crisis will get uglier.



United Auto Workers (UAW) President Ron Gettelfinger (L) and General Motors CEO Richard Wagoner talk before the start of a hearing about the automotive industry held by the House Financial Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington November 19, 2008. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)Reuters - Chances dimmed that a last-minute plan being crafted by Republican senators, with White House support, to provide $25 billion to bail out U.S. automakers would receive enough backing from Democrats to pass before the end of this week.



Pedestrians are reflected in the window of a Citibank branch in Hong Kong's financial Central District November 18, 2008. (Bobby Yip/Reuters)Reuters - The U.S. financial system still needs at least $1 trillion to $1.2 trillion of tangible common equity to restore confidence and improve liquidity in the credit markets, Friedman Billings Ramsey analyst Paul Miller said.



The Federal Reserve Board of Governors are seen during a Federal Open Market Committee meeting in Washington, March 28, 2006. (U.S. Federal Reserve/Handout/Reuters)Reuters - Federal Reserve officials slashed economic growth forecasts through 2009 and some believed even deeper interest rate cuts may be needed if growth slows further, minutes of their October policy meeting show.



Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano speaks during closing ceremonies of the 26th Border Governors Conference at Universal Studios in Los Angeles August 15, 2008. (Fred Prouser/Reuters)Reuters - U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's top choice to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, CNN reported on Wednesday, citing multiple sources.



Newlyweds Sharon Papo (R) and Amber Weiss (2nd R) pick up their marriage certificate after exchanging wedding vows at City Hall on the first full day of legal same-sex marriages in San Francisco, California June 17, 2008. (Erin Siegal/Reuters)Reuters - California's Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a legal challenge against the state's voter-approved ban on gay marriage and let the ban stand in the meantime.



Reuters - A Missouri woman established a fake identity online to torment a vulnerable teenage girl who later committed suicide, federal prosecutors said on Wednesday in a trial that is being closely watched by the burgeoning social networking industry.

Musician Felice Pomeranz plays her harp at her studio in Sudbury, Massachusetts, November 17, 2008. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)Reuters - Wall Street's pain is rippling through U.S. small businesses, as bankers who once pulled in million-dollar bonuses lose their jobs and cut back spending on everything from parties to home improvements.



US auto giant executives wait to testify before the House Finincial Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The heads of the Big Three US car makers -- General Motors (GM), Ford and Chrysler -- have returned to Congress to beg for an emergency bailout.(AFP/Tim Sloan)AFP - Asian stocks tumbled Thursday as global economic gloom deepened following a plunge in Japanese exports and a warning from the Federal Reserve that the United States could be in recession next year.



A picture taken in 2007 shows the Delight cargo ship anchored in the port of Hamburg, Germany. Somali pirate attacks have spun AFP - Russia announced Thursday it would send more warships to combat piracy in the waters around Somalia, as the Saudi owners of the Sirius Star negotiated with the pirates holding their oil tanker.




A Birth Announcement That Is Both Practical and Sentimental

The best birth announcement is both practical and sentimental. Welcome your new... Read More

Family Life or How to Buy Chair for a New Baby

Even if your baby is just weeks old now, you'll soon see... Read More

Types of Baby Showers

There are different types of baby showers to cover just about any... Read More

Babies: How to Get Your Children Excited About the New Arrival

The sudden appearance of a new baby can be rough on the... Read More

Baby Shower Party Decorations to Liven up Your Baby Shower

An excellent source of information providing the perfect baby shower party decorations... Read More

Baby Jaundice

Around 20% of newborn babies suffer from jaundice. The condition is not... Read More

14 Steps To Reducing Your Infants Reflux

Many of the things listed below will help with your baby's discomfort... Read More

The Colic Baby

When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful and many... Read More

Gift Giving For Baby

Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you know their... Read More

Baby Signing ? 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby

Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier than we... Read More

How To Choose a Baby Formula

Breast milk is the most natural food for your baby, but if... Read More

Jogging Strollers?How to Get Back in Shape!

Add a little extra push and a jogging stroller to your exercise... Read More

Baby Gift Baskets ? A Personalized Way to Show How Much You Care

When baby showers abound what can you give to that new mom... Read More

How to Find Those Elusive Baby Gifts That Are Just Right

Baby Gifts from gift certificates to very expensive toys. Something for every... Read More

Baby Car Seat Glossary Guide

To the uninitiated parent, buying a car seat for your child can... Read More

What to Do if the Baby Shower Guests Dont Know Each Other

A baby shower is a simple celebration of family and friends to... Read More

Baby Birthmarks

As many as one in three babies are born with a birthmark.... Read More

Intersting Baby Facts - Strange But True!

* A baby is born every seven seconds.* Babies are born with... Read More

Freezing Homemade Baby Food

With our twin boys getting ready to start solid food, I have... Read More

Baby Development - But What Role do Parents Play?

It is truly amazing the development that a baby experiences in the... Read More

Six Ways to Save on Your Baby Shower

It's time to celebrate the baby! As Keepsake Favors' resident baby shower... Read More

Baby Carriers - Choosing the Right Pouch, Ring Sling, or Carrier for You

With so many options out there for baby carriers it is hard... Read More

Getting to Know Your Baby: Babys Second Month Guide

Time has flown. Your little bundle of joy has been a part... Read More

Will Kids Eat Vegetables? Yes, They Will!

You have made the decision to grow your own vegetables. It's a... Read More

Baby Shower Food Items

Baby shower food items are one of the most important features of... Read More

Baby Shower Games: The Good, the Bad and the Ugh!

Games can make or break a shower. The best can break the... Read More

How Toddlers Can Benefit From Using Computers

It's a fact of life that we live in an electronic age... Read More

Baby Nursery Furniture

You are expecting your first baby and are wondering what type of... Read More

Baby Sunglasses

It might appear to be sufficient to apply some high factor suncream... Read More

Bonding with Baby

Most parents bond instantly with their babies, an intense feeling that makes... Read More

Five Easy Steps to Potty Train Your Baby

No?Don't let your child pee or poop every where and make your... Read More

Whats With Celebrity Baby Names?

It seems that the days of naming your son or daughter with... Read More

Baby Shower Hostess Etiquette

Does baby shower hostess etiquette allow for gift suggestions, if yes, how?... Read More

Important Safety and Styling Features of Baby Cribs

Baby Cribs are the feature item in any baby's nursery. Most parents... Read More

Prepare Your Child For Potty Training

When your child shows a majority of the signs of potty training... Read More

Baby Yoga and Me

Having carried a sizable bump around for a very long, very hot... Read More

A Babys Sleeping Pattern

Sleeping..A newborn baby spends most of her time on two things: sleeping... Read More

Baby Bedding Wants Vs. Bedding Baby Needs

If you walk into any baby store or online baby site you... Read More

Baby Expense: What To Do When Baby

As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list... Read More

Baby Safety Checklist - Protecting Your Baby

When bringing home your new baby, there are so many things to... Read More

Baby Shower for Mom and the Ladies

Baby Shower for Moms who just wanna have fun! This type of... Read More

The 7 Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes That Parents Make

When parents face difficulties with infant and child sleep issues, they can... Read More

How Much TV Is Too Much For Your Toddler

At least one third of households have their TV turned on all... Read More

Tips for Discreet Breastfeeding in Public

If you're a new Mom who is nursing your baby you may... Read More

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was for moments... Read More

Oh Baby! Choosing the Right Baby Name

Naming a baby is no easy task. However, the following tips will... Read More

Preparing A Layette For Your New Baby

First of all, in case you do not know, what is a... Read More