Many researchers and psychologists have focused on developmental stages of children and, to a lesser extent, adults. Sigmund Freud's psychosexual stages of development is the most well-known developmental theory. Freud's theory, however, did not deal with cognitive development in children, focusing mostly on sexual stages. Other researchers expanded on Freud's theory, adding cognitive and social developmental aspects. Preschool-aged children rapidly develop their cognitive abilities between the ages of 3 and 5.
Cognitive Development
Cognitive development refers to the growth of thought processes in children. As children age, their thinking becomes more logical and rational. Younger children tend to think in concrete terms while older children and adolescents are able to process abstract concepts and ideas. Although children develop at different paces, there are some cognitive milestones that preschool-age children generally reach. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides general guidelines for cognitive abilities of children aged 3 to 5 years.
Age 3
By the end of their third year, children have reached a few important cognitive milestones, according to the CDC. Children at this age can figure out how to make mechanical toys work. They can complete a very small puzzle with three or four pieces. Children can usually match an object in real life to the same object in a picture. Children begin to use creative skills to play with dolls and animals. They can also sort objects by shapes and colors.
Age 4
By the end of their fourth year, children begin to use problem-solving skills. They attempt to solve problems from a single point of view. Children at this age start to understand the concept of time a little better. According to psychologist Jean Piaget's stages of cognitive development, the time period between toddlerhood and age 7 is called the preoperational stage. This stage is characterized by the development of imagination and play. Children at this age also understand concepts such as "same" and "different" along with the relationship between the future and the past.
Age 5
At age 5, children usually can fully grasp the concept of time. Memory and language skills continue to develop. However, at this age intelligence is still egocentric and not logical. Erik Erikson, another developmental theorist, states that children during this stage become more independent and may begin to experience guilt. Children can also begin to recognize and name colors by this age. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that children at age 5 can recognize at least four colors and can count 10 or more objects.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Important Milestones: By the End of Three Years (36 Months); April 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Important Milestones: By the End of Four Years (48 Months); April 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Important Milestones: By the End of Five Years (60 Months); April 2010
- University of New York at Cortland: Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of PsychosocialDevelopment
- University of Georgia Department of Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology; Piaget's Stages; Kay C. Wood, et al.
