Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What type of books benefit students in the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development according to Piaget?

1. Picture books

2. Novels

3. Board books and cloth books

4. Research articles

The correct answer is: Picture books

In the context of Piaget's theory of cognitive development, students in the sensorimotor stage (typically from birth to approximately 2 years) benefit most from books that stimulate their developing senses and motor skills. Board books and cloth books are particularly advantageous during this stage because they are designed with durable materials which allow for hands-on exploration. Such books often feature bright colors, textures, and simple images that capture a young child’s attention and encourage interaction. The content of board and cloth books is typically straightforward, focusing on basic concepts such as colors, shapes, and familiar objects. This aligns with the learning style of infants and toddlers, who learn primarily through sensory experiences and manipulative play. Picture books, while also beneficial, may not provide the same tactile experience that cloth and board books offer, which is crucial for sensory exploration in very young children. In contrast, the other options—novels and research articles—are not suitable for this age group. Novels contain complex narratives and advanced vocabulary that exceed the cognitive capabilities of children in the sensorimotor stage. Research articles, intended for a scholarly audience, would not engage or be comprehensible to infants and toddlers at all.