Sensory Motor Intelligence in Babies: Exploring the World Through Senses

Understanding Baby's Sensory Motor Intelligence

Exploring the World Through Senses

Babies primarily use their senses and motor skills to explore and manipulate their environment. This period of cognitive development, from birth to two years old, is called "sensory motor intelligence" by Piaget. A key aspect of this stage is the child's desire to touch and interact with everything around them.

Developing Senses: Touch, Hearing, and Sight

Touch

During the first year, touch is especially developed. From the earliest days, babies manipulate objects by putting them in their mouths, exploring textures with their sensitive tongues, gums, cheeks, and lips. By six months, they can distinguish objects based on temperature, size, hardness, and texture. A little later, they can even differentiate weight. This tactile ability is crucial for developing vision and understanding the world.

Hearing

Newborns have delicate hearing. Sudden noises can startle and upset them, so they prefer rhythmic sounds like lullabies or heartbeats, which soothe and promote sleep. When awake, they turn their heads towards sounds, paying special attention to conversations and distinguishing their mother's voice.

Sight and Object Permanence

Around eight months old, babies develop "object permanence," understanding that objects and people continue to exist even when out of sight. Before this, if an object disappears, babies believe it ceases to exist.

Early Math Skills

Some researchers suggest that even very young babies have a basic understanding of numbers, demonstrating an awareness of the difference between one, two, and three objects. This is based on their reactions to impossible situations, like incorrect additions or subtractions. While some believe this reflects an innate understanding of numbers, others argue that it's merely perceptual distinction, not true numerical comprehension.

Educational Applications of Sensory Motor Intelligence

Understanding sensory motor intelligence is crucial for creating appropriate learning environments for babies. Encouraging exploration through touch, sound, and sight, while providing a safe and stimulating environment, supports their cognitive development.