Cognitive Milestones in Childhood Every Parents and Teachers Should Know

Source: littlefeettherapy

Cognitive Milestones in Childhood Every Parents and Teachers Should Know

Abilities that help individuals think, explore the environment, grasp information, store it, and then apply it in the real sense of the world are called cognitive skills. Today’s world gives a lot of importance to these skills as cognitive skills have a major impact on functions such as decision making, problem solving helping a child build a strong base for a flourishing future.

Cognitive Milestones are important indicators of a child’s brain development, and each milestone signifies higher-order thinking and objective reasoning. Important areas of memory, information remembering and using the stored information are also highlighted by cognitive milestones.

Cognitive Milestones are helpful for parents, caregivers and educators to look for any developmental delays and if any potential delays are detected, then begin the remediation process by approaching the concerned professionals for appropriate assistance.

By understanding the complex process of cognitive development, teachers can make a helpful learning atmosphere that fosters the progress of the child, stimulating their learning process by focusing on their key strengths.

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What is an Example of a Cognitive Stage?

The Cognitive Development theory was conveyed by Swiss Psychologist Jean Piaget, a prime figure in the field of kid development. As per his theory, the process of cognitive milestone development can be categorized into 4 stages, reflected in the respective age groups.

The age group stage of birth to 24 months is also known as the Sensorimotor stage, in which, as the name suggests, the major learning or exploring the world around them happens through different senses such as smell, see, taste, and touch.

The child also concludes in this stage that a certain object will exist even if it is not in front of him.

The Sensorimotor Stage’s Major Characteristics:

Object Permanence

A critical stage in memory development occurs when infants start to comprehend that things exist even when they are not observable from view.

Exploration through Senses

Infants depend on senses that is touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell, to know their environment and gather information.

Motor Actions

Infants experiment with items by gripping, reaching, and moving, which sharpens their coordination and problem-solving abilities.

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Other Cognitive Stages in Piaget’s Theory:

Preoperational Stage (2 to 7 years)

• In this stage the language development is a prime characteristic, and egocentrism engulfs the child, where he feels that the world around him deciphers situations and emotions just like him.
• He believes that his viewpoint is universal.

Concrete Operational Stage (7 to 11 years)

Logical thinking develops. Children can successfully grasp concrete concepts, comprehend cause-and-effect relationships, and classify objects.

Formal Operational Stage (11 years and older)

Young people and adults get abstract thinking, problem-solving and reasoning, which allows them to think about hypothetical scenarios.

By being aware of these cognitive stages, parents, teachers, and other careers can better help children’s growth at every stage and ensure they are provided with the necessary environment and experiences to guide them in learning.

What is a Cognitive Process Example?

Cognitive Process refers to any method that incorporates gathering information, analyzing it, and then using it for a further activity.

These procedures support individuals’ learning, solving problems, and help interact effectively with their surroundings.

Examples of Cognitive Processes:

Attention

The capacity to block out distractions while focusing on information. For instance, suppressing background noise while listening to a teacher’s lecture.

Perception

The process of interpreting sensory information to understand the world, and for instance, identifying a familiar face in a crowd in a crowded setting.

Memory

The capacity to store, hold, and recall data. Using memory includes, recalling a list of groceries without needing to write it down is an example of memory.

Problem-Solving

The cognitive milestone process of identifying a problem and coming up with a solution. An example is determining how to repair a faulty household appliance.

Decision-Making

Analyzing different choices and selecting one, like selecting the most suitable route to avoid traffic.

Language

The ability to understand and use words for communication. Reading a book and interpreting its meaning is an example of language processing.

Reasoning

Arriving at logic-based conclusions after referring to evidence. For e.g, when a child decides to wear rainy sandals on days when he thinks it might rain.

Thinking

Maneuvering information and thinking systematically to get new ideas or find solutions to day-to-day issues.

Working Memory

Being able to use a particular phone number by first noting it correctly, remembering it for a brief period.

Cognition is a very significant process that helps the child explore the world around him, draw inferences, and learn how to function effectively in the World outside.

Making decisions by eliminating the wrong options, problem-solving skills are the foundation for a fulfilling life for any individual. Therefore, empowering children to stimulate these skills is a must for raising young, confident individuals.

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What are Cognitive Disabilities in Children?

Cognitive disorders, also referred to as intellectual disorders, have a big impact on the abilities of children to think logically, their social interaction skills and ways of processing information. Challenges can impact problem-solving, communication, and daily activities. Identifying cognitive disabilities early allows caregivers and educators to provide the right support for a child’s development.

Understanding Cognitive Disabilities

Definition

Impairments in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that fall below the expected level for a child’s age.

Impact

Affects learning abilities, communication skills, and everyday functioning.

Typical Cognitive Impairments

• Poor decision making, not being able to answer correctly, and identifying the wrong idea are some of the common cognitive milestone impairments.
• Autism disorder is characterized by poor social relationships and inability to express the correct emotions, leading to unruly behaviors.
• Inability to focus, not being able to utilize the energy for a productive activity, are some important features of the ADHD condition.
• As the name suggests, Learning disabilities impact the crucial learning skills of reading, writing, and performing mathematical operations.

Reasons and risk factors

• Genetic Issues: These issues can cause certain impairments affecting the physical appearance of a child. E.g. ,Down Syndrome.
• Accidents causing brain damage: Many times, a physical accident may result in severe neurological damage that impacts the brain’s processing power.
• Premature birth can also be a major risk factor for developmental delays.

Signs and Diagnosis

• Delayed speech and motor skills.
• Difficulty learning new concepts.
• Poor problem-solving and memory skills.
• Social and emotional challenges.
• Support and Intervention

Early identification of any disability is the first step to kickstart the intervention process, which is followed by a team of dedicated professionals devising an ideal remediation procedure comprising therapy and emotional support that helps to make a positive impact on the child’s overall personality development, helping him lead a respectful life.

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How to Teach Students with Cognitive Disabilities?

Students with cognitive disabilities are often gifted individuals with strong intelligence that must be nurtured by implementing structured teaching methodologies and backed by technology-aided support.

The Special Education Course initiated at Vidhyanidhi Education Society (Govt. Regd.) has helped thousands of trainees take a giant leap in their career path by gaining an in-depth, thorough understanding of various disabilities that has helped them carve a niche for themselves in this field.

 Experiencing cognitive struggles can be taught through structured teaching methods and customized techniques. This Diploma in SEN Course provides the teachers with the tools they need to establish a creative, inclusive, and effective learning environment.

Teaching Techniques That Work for Students with Cognitive Challenges

Keep instructions short and simple.

Divide lessons into smaller chunks and teach in a variety of ways, including written, spoken, and visual.

Use Visual Aids and Hands-On Activities

Use pictures, charts, and hands-on items such as puzzles and flashcards to help learning.

Reinforce Learning through Repetition

Revisit topics regularly and use positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards, to support progress.

Adapt Teaching Methods

Modify assignments and tests based on students’ skills and learning abilities to make them accessible.

Provide a Structured Environment

Establish clear routines and minimize distractions to help students focus and feel secure.

Encourage Social Interaction

Encourage group work that improves communication skills and socialization.

Gaining knowledge from a reputed Institute like Vidhyanidhi Education Society (Govt. Regd.) ensures that aspiring teachers are well-equipped to handle the challenges of a diverse classroom, helping children focus on their strengths and learn effectively in a regular classroom setup.

The Diploma in SEN Course is the best choice for educators who wish to focus on special education and have an impactful influence. Promote group projects that enhance socialization and communication abilities.

Unlock your potential as a Special Edu with Vidhyanidhi Education Society’s SEN Courses today!

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