Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

View the short film clip titled “Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development” published by Khan Academy to gain perspective on Piaget’s theoretical stages. Keep in mind that Piaget believed that knowledge is constructed–children’s learning builds on what is already known. Use the following outline as a guide. What examples can you use to illustrate each stage?

Stage 1: 0-2 Years of age–Sensorimotor Stage
Children gather information about the world through their senses and their movement.

Stage 2: 2-6 years of age–Pre-Operational Stage
Children develop language skills and begin to use symbols to represent language.

Stage 3: 7-11 Years of age–Concrete Operational Stage
Children learn to use mental operations such as math reasoning.

Stage 4: 12-Up Years of age–Formal Operational Stage
Children learn abstract and moral reasoning.