Final answer:
The sensorimotor stage is the first stage of cognitive development, taking place from birth to about 2 years old. Here children learn about the world through sensory experiences and motor behaviors, eventually developing object permanence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sensorimotor stage is the first phase in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which typically occurs from birth until about 2 years old. In this stage, infants and toddlers discover the world through their senses and motor skills. From putting objects in their mouth to see if they're edible to developing a foundatonal cognitive concept known as object permanence between 5 to 8 months old, children in this stage are deeply engaged in understanding their environment. Object permanence signifies their understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not in direct sight. The development of such cognitive abilities is crucial and is achieved through interaction with their surroundings.
As they grow, these children also begin to reach diverse developmental milestones, like shaking their head 'no' around 6-9 months and responding to simple requests. By 10 months, they usually refine their motor skills further, showcasing increased interaction with the world around them. The toddler years (1-3 years old) are marked by an important psychological challenge of resolving autonomy versus shame and doubt, seeking independence, and developing motor skills. By the end of three years, children's gross and fine motor skills advance considerably, further enhancing their interaction with the world around them.