At what age range does Piaget's Preoperational Stage occur?

The age range of 2 to 6 years aligns with Piaget's Preoperational Stage, which is a critical period in cognitive development characterized by the emergence of symbolic thought. During this stage, children begin to engage in imaginative play, use symbols, and develop language skills. They are capable of thinking about objects and events that are not immediately present. However, their thinking is still intuitive and egocentric, meaning they have difficulty seeing things from perspectives other than their own.

This stage is significant as it lays the foundation for later cognitive advancements. Children start to engage in activities such as pretend play, drawing, and using language in more complex ways, reflecting their growing ability to think symbolically. Understanding this stage is essential for educators and caregivers as it helps in identifying appropriate learning strategies that can enhance children’s cognitive development during these formative years.