what is the preoperational stage of children
The second stage of Piagetâs development is the preoperational stage that occurs between 2 to 7 years (Jean Piagetâs Stage Theories, n.d.). The end of the first stage has inscribed object permanence in the childâs mind. In the second stage, the child learns to think symbolically, being able to use symbols in his or her mind to portray concrete objects, places and people that they have seen in the past (Boeree, 2006).
In studying the cognitive development of children and adolescents, Piaget identified four major stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational and formal operational. Piaget believed all children pass through these phases to advance to the next level of cognitive development. In each stage, children demonstrate new intellectual abilities and increasingly complex understanding of the world. Stages cannot be skipped; intellectual development always follows this sequence.