What is the importance of play in early childhood development?
Play supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development by allowing children to explore, experiment, and express themselves.
Which theorist proposed the stages of cognitive development?
Jean Piaget outlined stages of cognitive development including sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.
At what age do most children begin to develop a sense of independence?
Around the age of 2, toddlers begin to assert independence and express preferences, which is part of Erikson’s autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage.
Which of the following promotes language development in young children?
Engaging in conversations, reading aloud, and singing with children are effective ways to support language development.
What is a key characteristic of the preoperational stage of cognitive development?
Children in the preoperational stage (ages 2–7) tend to think symbolically and are often egocentric, struggling to see other perspectives.
Which environment is most supportive of early childhood learning?
A nurturing and stimulating environment encourages exploration, creativity, and cognitive growth in young learners.