Sensory-Motor Period> Internal Mental Combination (18-24 months)

Internal Mental Combination is the final and most advanced stage of the sensory motor period, seen in children between 18 and 24 months. In this stage, children begin solving problems by thinking about objects and events that are not in front of them.

• Objects are thought of in new ways and relationships.
• The child shows problem-solving, remembering, planning, imagining, and pretending.
• Representations (images/ideas in mind) are important for solving problems.
• Imitation can happen long after the child sees something.
• Creativity is clear—children invent new ways to act or solve problems.

• Anurag, age 23 months, wanted to ring a bell but couldn't reach it. He imagined using the door screen before acting, demonstrating mental planning.
• He later copied a friend's tantrum after several hours, showing “deferred imitation.”

• Children start to imagine outcomes and plan actions mentally before trying them physically.
• They mentally work through steps to solve problems instead of relying only on trial-and-error.
• Children invent new ways to achieve goals, even without having seen others do it before.
• They can remember and imitate actions they observed much earlier (e.g., hours or even a day ago).
• Children begin to think using mental symbols and images—an early form of abstract thinking.