sensorimotor stage

Tue, 05 May 2026 02:57:30 +0000

Understanding the Sensorimotor Stage: A Foundational Phase in Cognitive Development Early childhood is a critical period for human growth, and one of the most pivotal phases in cognitive development is the sensorimotor stage. Defined as the first stage in Jean Piaget’s revolutionary theory of cognitive development, the sensorimotor stage lays the groundwork for how infants perceive the world and build understanding through sensory experiences and motor actions. ### What Is the Sensorimotor Stage? The sensorimotor stage spans from birth until approximately 2 years of age, marking the period when babies explore their environment primarily through sense operation (sensory input) and mental representation of objects, actions, and causes. During this phase, children learn by seeing, touching, listening, moving, and manipulating objects. There are two fundamental ways infants engage with the world: reflexive actions (immune to conscious change) and intentional actions (purposeful interactions).