Jean Piaget's Theory Of Child Development

Jean Piaget, a Swiss psychologist, studied cognitive development from a biological perspective. As part of his theory, he looked at organization and adaptation which were the two main principles in the human 's mind and development. He further explained that human beings dependably strive to acquire a state of balance. Adaptation occurs when children encounter cognitive disability, this is known as, the situation where children will see the world as it is, and what they’re experiencing. Therefore, children incorporate new information and combine it with the existing one. Piaget refers to this as accommodation. This process occurs when new information does not fit well in the structures that already exists. For example, a child sees an earthworm

At this stage, a child begins to perform roles and actions (imitation) of a grown up, along with familiar events. However, at the age of three or four years, the child’s skills then become symbolic; he/she learns substitution in the form of objects. For example, a child feeding a stuffed animal using a toy bottle, whereas an older child is feeding the stuffed animal using a highlighter in pretense that it would act as a feeding bottle for a baby. This stage also builds a solid foundation for children as they get their own experience through

This was the birth of Jean Piaget’s theory on learning. According to Mc Cune & Zane (2001), they proposed that toddlers are constantly involved in activities that can stimulate their mind, senses and also lead to early motor skills development. Children are curious explorers who explore their abilities through play and interaction. Mc Cune & Zane also stated, “as young babies are seen playing on their own, toddlers play and interact with other children their age”. A situation where five children are playing with the same toys in the same room, might follow different activities for each of them. Each child will focus on their need, which is a clear reflection of egocentric behaviors. However, this kind of play can contribute greatly to the child, developing his/her ability to be able to focus