Piaget’s Cognitive Development Stages & Vygotsky’s ZPD in Child Learning

Q: What are Piaget's four stages of cognitive development?

Sensorimotor (0-2), Preoperational (2-7), Concrete Operational (7-11), Formal Operational (12+).

Q: What is the key milestone of the sensorimotor stage?

Object permanence.

Q: What characterizes the preoperational stage?

Symbolic thinking, egocentrism, pretend play.

Q: What do children gain in the concrete operational stage?

Logical thinking, conservation, perspective-taking.

Q: What abilities develop in the formal operational stage?

Abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking.

Q: What is Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

The gap between what a child can do independently and what they can do with help.

Q: What is scaffolding in Vygotsky's theory?

Support provided by adults/peers to help children progress through the ZPD.

Q: How did Vygotsky view language in development?

As central to thought and learning.

Q: Who wrote Goodnight Moon?

Margaret Wise Brown.

Q: What is Goodnight Moon known for?

Rhythmic, calming text for bedtime; illustrated by Clement Hurd.

Q: What was Brown's writing style innovation?

Focused on everyday "here-and-now" experiences instead of just fantasy.

Q: Which book made Maurice Sendak famous?

Where the Wild Things Are (1963).

Q: What made Sendak's books unique?

Exploration of children's real emotions, fears, and imagination.

Q: Who created Pat the Bunny?

Dorothy Kunhardt.

Q: Why is Pat the Bunny significant?

First interactive "touch-and-feel" book for toddlers.

Q: What is the role of an illustrator in a picture book?

To bring the story to life visually, support comprehension, and add meaning beyond text.

Q: What is the author's role in the illustration process?

To create the text/story; sometimes collaborates, but often illustrations are chosen by editors.

Q: What is a key similarity between Piaget and Vygotsky?

Both saw children as active learners.

Q: How did Piaget and Vygotsky differ in their views on learning and development?

Piaget: universal stages, independent discovery. Vygotsky: social/cultural learning, guidance is essential.

Q: Piaget believed...?

Development leads learning.

Q: Vygotsky believed...?

Learning leads development.