Final answer:
In middle childhood, ages 6 to 11, cognitive development progresses as children think more logically, plan for the future, and understand complex ideas like addition, subtraction, and cause-and-effect. Their attention starts to improve around age 11. They also develop theory-of-mind, which helps them recognize different perspectives and social cues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood
During middle childhood, which encompasses ages 6 to 11, children experience significant growth in their cognitive abilities. They begin to think in more logical and organized ways, especially when handling concrete information. Their understanding of time concepts allows them to comprehend past, present, and future, fostering the ability to plan ahead and set goals. This is also a stage where children develop a better grasp of complex ideas, like mathematical operations including addition and subtraction, and the notion of cause-and-effect relationships.
However, it is important to consider that the attention span of children at this age is relatively short and only starts to expand significantly as they approach 11 years old. This improved attention span paves the way for enhanced cognitive processes such as better memory, processing speed, and organizational skills, which continue to develop into adolescence and adulthood.
Judgment and Cognitive Skills in Middle Childhood
Children's judgment and cognitive processes undergo important changes during middle childhood. They progress from egocentric thinking to understanding that others have different perspectives and feelings—a concept known as theory-of-mind (TOM). Children use TOM to navigate social interactions, such as persuading parents or understanding others' emotions. Games begin to play a significant role as children understand the concepts of luck and fairness, which are important for following game rules.
Cognitive Change Through Developmental Stages
As children transition from early childhood to middle childhood and then to adolescence, their cognitive skills morph from basic concrete understanding to more advanced abstract reasoning. Adolescents develop the ability to engage with multiple viewpoints, consider hypothetical scenarios, and challenge established norms.