Stages of Cognitive Development 1

Stages of Cognitive Development

AED/202

January 8, 2011

Stages of Cognitive Development 2

Infancy (Birth -2)

In this stage infants are attracted to bright colors, shapes, and toys which make noises. At

this stage they have a hard time staying focuses or attracted to one object unless it does

something to constantly keep their attention.

Early Childhood (2 -6)

In this stage children are learning shapes, colors, and numbers. Taking them on small

trips helps to broaden their knowledge and understanding of things. Again they do not have a

good attention span but it is longer than what they had as an infant. Keeping their activities short

and switching them up keeps them focused and interested in the current task.

Middle Childhood (6-10)

Children in this stage are just starting to acquaint themselves with their school

environment. In this stage children need more physical role to play. While their attention span is

improving they cannot sit still very long, they need to be physically active, thus taking more of

an interest in sports and organized activities.

Early Adolescence (10-14)

In this stage children are starting middle school and can now focus on a task for up to an

hour. By this time kids at this age are now changing and walking to more than one classroom

which are about 40 minutes to an hour, which is good for this age group in helping to keep their

focus and not overstimulation them.

Late Adolescence (14-18)

Stages of Cognitive Development 3

Children in this stage are entering into high school and can now be focused on one thing

for hours at a time. By this time, they have an option on which elective classes they would like

to take as part of their education. Choices such as these can help them determine where they

would like their studies to take them.

Children of all ages experience different cognitive developments throughout their

lifetime. One never stops learning something even once they are out of school and working in

society. It is important to give certain activities that are appropriate for the child’s cognitive

development to ensure that they learn the most that they can and understand what is being taught.

Throughout a child’s lifetime they experience different milestones in their cognitive

developments. As they continue to grow they still learn new things; their learning doesn’t end

once school is done, they continue to learn even as they become a part of our society. One must

also make sure they are offering everything they can to help aid in the child’s cognitive

development to make sure they reach their full potential and understanding of the world around

them.