Piaget’s foundation for the study of child development.

a. Observe two small groups of children in situations where they have to share materials with others: one group ages three or “young” four; the other group ages five or six. Record the age in years and months of each child. Write down a sample conversation from each observation. What similarities and differences do you observe in the two groups in their actions and words? How much of what you observe can you attribute to developmental differences? to personality differences? Compare your findings to text material regarding Piaget’s ideas.

b. Interview an experienced teacher about the differences in what three- and four-year-olds versus five- and six-year-olds understand about cooperating with others. Ask how the teacher would accommodate the understanding level of each group. What are the similarities and differences in the strategies the teacher would use? Compare your findings to text material regarding Piaget’s ideas.