Generating Piaget and Vygotsky-Grounded Parents: Home-Based Approaches to Enhance Cognitive Development among Young Children

Abstract

Research on the cognitive development of toddlers and preschoolers is crucial due to the rapid intellectual growth and foundational learning that characterizes early childhood. The theories formulated by Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky have provided profound insights into the mechanisms of cognitive development, offering distinct perspectives on how children acquire knowledge and develop intellectually. These theories have been extensively explored by scholars in various educational settings, both collectively and individually, demonstrating their significant impact on teaching and learning practices. Despite the considerable contributions of Piaget and Vygotsky to the field of education, there remains a noticeable gap in the literature concerning how parents can effectively apply their principles to enhance their children's cognitive development at home. This qualitative study aimed to address this gap by exploring practical, home-based approaches derived from Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories to promote cognitive development among young children, with a specific emphasis on the role of parents as facilitators of learning. The findings revealed ten emerging themes that encompassed Piaget and Vygotsky-inspired activities, including fruit exploration, plant jars, hanging laundry, pretend play, snake and ladder games, baking, storytelling, obstacle courses, memory games, and float-or-sink experiments. These activities were not only aligned with the theoretical frameworks of Piaget and Vygotsky but were also found to significantly enhance children's developmental milestones in an interactive and supportive manner.