Analysis Of Piaget's Theory Of Cognitive Development

Piaget 's Theory

A quote from Mary Pipher (Mooney, 2013) is one which I believe each and every one of us must attempt to read at least once in our lifetime: “Raising healthy children is a labor-intensive operation. Contrary to the news from the broader culture, most of what children need, money cannot buy. Children need time and space, attention, affection guidance and conversation.
They need sheltered places where they can be safe as they learn what they need to know to survive” (Mooney, 2013, p. 5).

This is where Piaget, Vygotsky and Montessori come in to illustrate to us, the need for children to express themselves to facilitate growth and development as was intended by nature. While Maria Montessori

I remember quite vividly how he would react at meal times because he thought he was getting less than the other children because of the shapes of the cups. There were three other children at the house within the preoperational stage, but were a little older than he was, so I had bought four cups of different colors and shapes to motivate them to eat and drink, not knowing that there would be a fuss over who gets the most. Each time I fed them, he cried and refused to eat because he thought he was getting less. I tried to explain to him that they were the same quantity, but this was futile; I even re-poured the juices to show him that they were all the same. Piaget says he does not have the ability to conserve. The concept of conservation refers to “the idea that the “amount” of some substance stays the same regardless of its shape or the number of pieces into which it is divided” (Osborne, 2015). Hence, despite the fact that I tried to make him understand that the cups all hold the same amount of juice, he remains perfectly comfortable with his reasoning. But with time (as he grows older) and more experienced he will eventually realize the similarities and differences and change his way of thinking to correspond with the new findings.

Often times I could not find Keyson and when I searched he would be in the bathroom cleaning away. He would use anything that remotely resembles the cleaning agents I use, and even though I get mad sometimes I quickly realize he is only role modeling. He wants to clean the toilet bowl and basin just as how I do. Being exposed to Piaget (and Montessori and Vygotsky) have opened my eyes to the awe of children, and can comprehend that they indeed need to be given the opportunity to express themselves and do everything that they are capable of. My observations have led me to realize that children are capable of learning a great deal when they are stimulated by fascinating things and activities coupled with being given the time, attention and guidance needed “children are capable of great concentration when they are surrounded by many interesting things to do and given the time and freedom to do them” (Teaching english to young learners, p. 25). Also, that personal experience and social experience cannot be