What is a major theory that influences early childhood education practices?

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development is fundamental to early childhood education as it provides insight into how children understand and interact with the world around them. This theory posits that children progress through distinct stages of cognitive development—sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational—each characterized by different ways of thinking and understanding.

In early childhood settings, educators can create developmentally appropriate practices by recognizing that young children are primarily in the sensorimotor and preoperational stages. This recognition helps guide teaching strategies that foster active exploration, hands-on learning, and imaginative play, which are crucial for cognitive growth. Piaget emphasized the importance of learners being active participants in their own learning processes. Thus, educational approaches that incorporate discovery learning and encourage problem-solving align closely with his theories.

Understanding Piaget's stages also helps educators plan appropriate curriculum that aligns with children’s developmental abilities, ensuring that learning experiences are both engaging and challenging without being overwhelming. This application of their cognitive readiness greatly supports children’s natural curiosity and promotes lifelong learning skills.