Piaget`s Developmental Theory and Its Application to Preschool Programs
1. Introduction
As it is known, Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget (1896-1980) is considered to be the founder of cognitive development theory. This theory has significantly influenced the field of education, particularly early childhood education. Even though Piaget`s theory was worked out more than half a century ago, it still remains influential as it is based on scientific research and observation of children`s behavior. In this essay, I am going to provide an overview of Piaget`s developmental theory and discuss how it can be applied to a preschool program.
In general, Piaget`s theory comprises four main stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Each stage is characterized by specific cognitive skills and abilities that children acquire in the process of maturation and learning from the environment. It should be noted that these stages are not disconnected from each other, but rather form a continuous process of development. In other words, each subsequent stage builds upon the skills and abilities acquired in the previous one.
Now let us take a closer look at each stage of cognitive development and discuss how a preschool program can be based on them.
2. Sensorimotor Stage
The sensorimotor stage is the first stage of cognitive development and lasts from birth to about 2 years old. During this stage, children learn about the world around them through their senses and motor activities. They gradually develop symbolic thinking and begin to understand that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible.
In terms of a preschool program, it is important to provide an environment that is safe and stimulating for children`s senses. For example, the classroom can be equipped with various toys and materials that would help children explore their surroundings. It is also important to provide parental assistance when needed as young children are not yet able to take care of themselves completely.
3. Preoperational Stage
The preoperational stage lasts from about 2 to 7 years old and is characterized by the development of symbolic thought. During this stage, children learn to use symbols such as language and numbers to represent objects in their environment. However, they still have difficulty thinking logically and cannot yet perform mental operations such as reversibility (the ability to undo an action) or conservation (the ability to understand that an object remains the same despite changes in its appearance).
In terms of a preschool program, it is important to provide an environment that is safe and stimulating for children`s senses. For example, the classroom can be equipped with various toys and materials that would help children explore their surroundings. It is also important to provide parental assistance when needed as young children are not yet able to take care of themselves completely.
4 creativity socialization In conclusion, it is quite possible to argue that Piaget`s developmental theory still remains influential, even despite the fact it was worked out more than half a century ago. This theory can be successfully applied to early childhood education, particularly to preschool programs. By taking into account the specific cognitive skills and abilities acquired at each stage of development, it is possible to create an educational program that would facilitate children`s learning and development.