Cognitive Development of Infants and Young Children

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Running head: COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Cognitive Development of Infants and Young Children
Institution
Name

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COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Introduction
Cognitive development refers to the construction of mental processes such as problem-solving,
decision-making, critical thinking and remembrance. These mental processes affect how a child
thinks, perceives things and understands his or her world. In this piece of work, ways in which
educators can support cognitive development of infants and young children will be discussed. It
will also briefly explain different theories of child development.
Educators and Cognitive Development of Infants and Young Children
Infants
An infant is a baby of between ages 0-1 year. An educator can foster cognitive development of
an infant by allowing the infant to interact with moving objects. The infant tracks the movement
of objects hence acquiring the concept of cause and effect. Eye-hand coordination can be
developed by allowing the infant to interact and try to reach for different objects. Playing and
talking with the infant is also significant since he or she starts forming mental images early
enough. An educator can also sing to the child either orally or by putting music on near the
infant.
Toddlers
A toddler is a child between the ages of 1-3 years. Cognitive development of a toddler can be
fostered through provision of play materials such as toys. It can also be promoted by allowing
the toddler to move around freely and interact with the environment. Interacting with books such
as picture books and color books is very significant for a child at this age. An educator can as
well provide puzzles to the toddler and answer the questions that he or she may ask.

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COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
3-5-year olds
Memory can be improved by encouraging alphabet songs, alphabet puzzles and reading books of
alphabets. The child needs to be exposed to different shapes and colors in order to be able to
describe objects well. Additionally, games are significant in that they help develop problem-
solving skills as well as creativity. Counting objects, allowing the child to think and make
decisions on his or her own and singing with the child strengthen the cognitive skills of the child.
6-8-year olds
Solving mathematical problems such as addition and subtraction, grouping objects according to
shape, color and size, and encouraging the child to explore the environment are very important
roles that educators should play in order to foster cognitive development of children at this age
(Schonert-Reichl et al, 2015).
Child Development Theories
Cognitive Theory
Jean Piaget suggested four stages in the cognitive development of a human being. The first stage
is the sensorimotor stage which spans 0-2years. In this stage, children are making use of their
senses and incorporating language to classify objects and to make their demands known to their
caregivers. Reflexes such as stepping and sucking are used in this stage. At the end of this stage,
a child understands that objects exist even when they cannot be seen, touched or heard.
The second stage is known as the pre-operational stage which spans ages 2-7. Children in this
stage engage themselves in play activities such as scribbling and drawing. They tend to make