Cognitive Development Activities in the Classroom and Learning

Back to: Childhood and Growing Up – Unit 5

Cognitive Development

Cognitive development refers to the process in which an individual’s thinking changes across the lifespan. It is the development of thinking and understanding ability. Jean Piaget is referred to as the father of cognitive development. He was a Swiss psychologist who observed the intellectual development of children during childhood. According to him,

“Cognitive development is a progressive reorganization of mental processes as a result of biological maturation and environmental experience.”

He studied the intellectual development of his three children. Cognitive development is fostered through engaging activities that encourage development.

Cognitive Development Activities in the Classroom

The cognitive development activities that can be incorporated into the classroom and learning are as follows.

Reading

Reading is undoubtedly the most helpful activity that enhances cognitive development in a child. It helps them to expand their vocabulary, improve their concentration, and increase their attention span.

Rhymes

Singing rhymes is a joyful activity for children but it can also promote cognitive development. Singing rhymes help children to develop language patterns and improve their vocabulary.

Talking

The best way to promote cognitive development in children is to encourage them to talk more so that they can put whatever they have heard and learned to use.

Drawing

Drawing is another fun activity that keeps children engrossed in what they are doing. It helps them to increase their attention span and their concentration. It also allows them to boost their creativity.

Crafts

Encouraging to make crafts allows children to channel their creativity and think in an innovative manner which helps them to achieve cognitive development.

Puzzles

Solving puzzles is a fun activity but it also makes children think deeply which increases their intellectual capacity.

Games

Engaging children in games that require problem-solving skills enables children to view problems as challenges that can be solved.

Conclusion

These are some helpful activities that can promote cognitive development in children. Teachers and parents can incorporate these activities to make learning fun and effective for children.