What age range does the concrete operational stage cover?

The concrete operational stage, as defined by Jean Piaget in his theory of cognitive development, encompasses the age range of approximately 7 to 11 years. During this stage, children begin to think logically about concrete events and gain a better understanding of the concept of conservation, which allows them to recognize that quantity does not change even when its shape does. They develop skills in categorization, organization, and can manipulate physical objects mentally, marking a significant progression in their cognitive abilities compared to the previous stage of preoperational thinking, which occurs from ages 2 to 7. This enhancement in logical reasoning is also crucial in preparing children for more abstract thinking, which is characteristic of the subsequent formal operational stage. Understanding this framework helps clarify developmental milestones children typically reach during these crucial years.