Chapter 9: Cognitive Development in Early Childhood

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 9, focusing on cognitive development theories and educational practices in early childhood.

Preoperational Intelligence

Cognitive development stage occurring around ages 2 to 6, marked by symbolic thought.

Symbolic Thought

The ability to use symbols to represent things.

Centration

Focusing on one aspect of a situation while neglecting others.

Focus on Appearance

Seeing only the immediate appearance of objects.

Static Reasoning

Believing that nothing changes; the inability to understand transformations.

Irreversibility

Inability to mentally reverse or undo an action.

Conservation

The principle that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance.

Piaget's Conservation Tasks

Experiments designed to test children's understanding of conservation.

Social Learning

Cognitive development affected by social context and interactions.

Apprentice in Thinking

A learner whose cognitive development is guided by more knowledgeable others.

Mentors in Learning

Individuals who present challenges and offer assistance to support learning.

Scaffolding

Process of providing support to a learner until they can perform independently.

Zone of Proximal Development

The range of tasks that a learner can perform with assistance.

Overimitation

Tendency of children to imitate irrelevant actions during learning.

Internal Dialogue

Use of language for self-regulation and thinking.

Theory of Mind

Understanding that others have different thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives.

Prefrontal Cortex

Brain region involved in executive functions and cognitive maturity.

Executive Processing

Cognitive processes that help manage thoughts and actions.

Social Interactions

Peer interactions that promote cognitive and brain development.

Vocabulary Explosion

Rapid increase in word acquisition during early childhood.

Fast-Mapping

Quickly learning new words by associating them with perceived meanings.

Grammar

The rules and structures of a language that organize its use.

Overregularization

Applying grammatical rules to exceptions, making language seem regular.

Pragmatics

Practical language use adjusted according to context and audience.

Bilingual Brain

Cognitive flexibility developed by being fluent in two languages.

Balanced Bilingual

Fluency in two languages without favoring one over the other.

Developmental Programs

Educational approaches centered on individual child development.

Montessori Method

Child-centered education emphasizing self-directed learning and exploration.

Reggio Emilia Approach

Educational philosophy focused on child creativity in a supportive environment.

Teacher-Directed Programs

Structured educational activities led by teachers for the whole class.

Child-Centered Programs

Educational programs fostering learning through play and exploration.

Academic Skills

Essential knowledge in subjects like math and reading taught in schools.

Head Start Program

A federal program initiated to promote school readiness for disadvantaged children.

Federal Government Funding

Economic support provided by the government for education programs.

Long-term Studies

Ongoing research assessing educational program effectiveness over time.

Early Childhood Education

Educational practices aimed at children in their early developmental years.

Cognitive Development

Growth and change in thinking abilities across different ages.

Linguistic Skills

Proficiency in using and understanding language.

Developmentally Appropriate

Teaching strategies that align with children's cognitive and social abilities.

Sensitive Period

Timeframes in development when skills are learned most effectively.

Creative Play

Unstructured play that encourages imagination and innovation.

Social Skills

Interpersonal abilities essential for interacting with others.

Maturation

The process of growth and development in individuals.

Learning Opportunities

Experiences designed to enhance knowledge and skills.

Educational Environment

The surrounding conditions affecting children's learning outcomes.

Curriculum Design

Plan for educational content and learning experiences.

Learning Context

The situation or environment in which learning occurs.