SUBSTAGE 1

Modification of Reflexes

(0-1 month)

child can modify reflexes of sucking and grasping to adapt to the object in hand or mouth.

SUBSTAGE 2

primary circular reactions

(1-4 months)

child can put those first two reactions together. this stage they can grasp an object in close proximity to their body and pull it to their mouth. they then repeat this action over and over

SUBSTAGE 3

Secondary circular reaction

(4-8 months)

child becomes interested in actions occurring beyond their body. rolling a ball away, pushing or throwing objects. Although not goal driven child repeats these actions over and over

SUBSTAGE 4

Coordination of secondary circular reaction

(8-12 months)

child can coordinate 2 or more secondary circular reactions into a routine. child pushes a ball away and it rolls behind a chair, the child can motor over and retrieve the ball.

"object permanence developed"

SUBSTAGE 5

Tertiary circular reaction

(12-18 months)

child searches for new ways to interact with objects, and explore potential uses to which objects can be put. child deliberately varying behavior that produced the interesting outcome. 

SUBSTAGE 6

Beginning of representational thought

(18-24 months)

child can begin making representations of situations. comparing an action with a personal action created by that child