preoperational
/priˌɑp.əˈreɪ.ʃən.əl/
adjective
- Relating to the stage in child development (ages about 2 to 7) when children begin to use language and symbols but do not yet think logically.
- In the preoperational stage, children often believe that inanimate objects have feelings.
- Her preoperational thinking made it hard for her to understand that the amount of water stays the same in different cups.
- Preschool teachers design activities that match preoperational children's ability to use imagination.