Children are exploring their bodies and various muscle movements during this phase. They learn to grasp, suck, kick their feet and wave their hands. Later, they enjoy walking and using building blocks. They also begin problem-solving through play in the latter part of this stage. Children learn object permanence around seven months of age, according to Faith Presnell of Muskingum University's psychology department. This means children understand an object continues to exist when not in view. Later in this stage, children learn they are in charge of their activities, leading them to further intellectual growth, according to Presnell.
Children are talking fluently. Their speech is largely self-centered in the earlier part of this stage, as if the whole world revolved around them. Children become more social in their speech during the latter stages, frequently talking about their family and friends. This stage also sees children involved in a lot of symbolic or dramatic play, such as playing house, pretending to drive a car or being a superhero. Their reasoning is nonlogical, according to Presnell.
Children at this stage begin to organize and articulate their thoughts in a logical way. They can now begin to multitask within certain limits. Concrete problem-solving such as basic math involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division should be well developed by the end of this stage. They also understand the conservation of certain mathematical measures such as number, length, mass and weight. Conservation means they can comprehend that a 12-inch piece of wood is the same length as two 6-inch pieces of wood. However, they cannot yet understand abstract principles and consider all points of view. Algebra, or any other subject that requires higher-level thinking, will be very difficult for them.
Children are gradually developing abstract thought. They should be able to perform complex math problems without the use of visual manipulatives such as counting cubes. Some children use symbols to solve problems such as those used in algebra or calculus.They also can formulate and consider multiple hypotheses.This is the ultimate level of growth, according to the constructivist theory. Piaget believed this stage continues into adulthood with new experiences, interaction with others and reading. Not everyone will reach this stage of growth, according to Piaget.
These stages should be used as a guideline for parents and educators. All children mature at different rates and will go through these stages at varying levels. Children with learning disabilities may go through the stages more slowly. However, even children with average to above-average IQs have different maturity levels than these stages indicate. It's important to continue growing in knowledge in adulthood, as well. The mind can be kept sharp through reading, socializing and practicing brain teasers and games such as bridge.