Environment and Infants and Toddlers, Research Paper Example

Cognitive development

Cognitive development is a very critical time in a child’s life. It is when that child starts to see and learn about the world they are living in and the environment which they dwell(Feldman, 2010). There are four stages of cognitive learning according to Piaget’s theory of cognitive learning, the first stage being the sensorimotor stage, second is the preoperational stage, third is concrete operational mastery, and finally the formal operational stage (Patterson, 2009). As parents and care- givers we can create activities for our children based upon these four stages.

Cognitive activities for infants and children:

1. Reading books ( assist child to recognize symbols, objects, and words)
2. Using sensory activities (helps them to realize different textures)
3. Stacking Blocks ( encourages a child to use problem solving skills and creativity)
4. Finger painting ( promotes writing, see which hand your child is more comfortable with)
5. Puzzles ( helps child to realize the relationship between different objects)
6. Pretend with role playing toys ( connects them with reality and the world)
7. Dance and make music( music stimulates brain activity and promotes creativity)
8. Get into nature ( have a picnic, call out the names of objects to your child)
9. Mirror talk ( look into the mirror with your child, help them to realize their own reflection)
10. Counting games ( count how many cheerios they are eating, gets them familiarized with math skills)

References

Feldman, R. (2010). Psychology and your life. Boston: McGraw-Hill Learning Solutions.

Patterson, C. (2009). Infancy & childhood. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.