Preoperational Thought I: The Symbolic Function

Jean Piaget's preoperational stage of cognitive development spans from ages 2 to 7.

This stage is marked by a growing ability to think symbolically, although children are not yet able to perform logical mental operations.

Symbolic function is the ability to think about something without relying on sensory or motor cues.

Children who have developed symbolic function can use symbols or mental representations—such as words, numbers, or images—that they associate with meaning.

Children aged 3 to 5 years show symbolic function through deferred imitation, pretend play, and the use of language.

First, deferred imitation means remembering and later repeating an action they saw earlier.

Second, pretend play is another sign of symbolic function. In this type of play, children use one object to stand in for another.

Lastly, language is the main form of symbolic thought, using words as symbols to communicate.

For example, the spoken word “key” represents the actual physical object used to open locks.