Sensorimotor Period
During the sensorimotor period the four following characteristics will already be present at birth
- The neonate’s primary response to his environment is his sensory and motor activities.
- The neonate focuses on the present only (he has no concept of the past or the future)
- The neonate is unable to plan
- The neonate does not link objects to images or words
When we deal with learners who are ADHD, there are two areas where substantial impairment could be visible, equal to that of a neonate.
- They are impaired in their ability to link present events with future events and struggle to relate past events to the present. This makes them prone to not learn from past mistakes, and the consequences of those mistakes.
- ADHD learners have a problem with time-management and they may be impaired in their ability to plan and or make preparation for future events. They prefer to live in the moment.
ADHD children also lack a measure of self awareness and this relates to how they fit in with society and relate to others. They tend to be clumsy in and will appear uncomfortable on uneasy in societal situations.
- They are impaired in their response to sensory inputs as well as they overall motor activities.
- ADHD children are more visual learners and will struggle to communicate effectively as part of the disorder. When under pressure to explain situations where they have acted outside the boundaries of normal societal behavior, they will sound confused and will not be able to clarify their actions effectively through normal conversation.
So as we can see, ADHD has a profound effect on any child as if they are frozen in time and their actions and mannerisms will be as that of a newborn child. Adults with ADHD will experience the same emotions as a child which makes this a disorder that is difficult to quantified.
The Sensorimotor period.
In this Lesson we will focus on the 6 stages of development within this period.
Stage 1 – The reflexive scheme (0 – 1 month)
Stage 2 – Primary circular reactions (1 – 4 months)
Stage 3 – Secondary circular reactions (4 – 8 months)
Stage 4 – Coordination of secondary schemes (8 – 12 months)
Stage 5 – Tertiary circular reactions (12 – 18 months)
Stage 6 – Symbolic representation and discovery through mental combinations or mental representations.
(insert lesson – Stage 1)
(insert lesson – Stage 2)
(insert lesson – Stage 3)
(insert lesson – Stage 4)
(insert lesson – Stage 5)
(insert lesson – Stage 6)