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

Topics

Estimated time: 9 minutes

Introduction
Key Features
New Developments at This Stage
Real-Life Application
Key Points: Internal Mental Combination (18-24 months)

CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

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.

CISCE: Class 12

Key Features

CISCE: Class 12

New Developments at This Stage

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.

CISCE: Class 12

Real-Life Application

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.”

CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Internal Mental Combination (18-24 months)

Internal mental combination is the final stage of the sensorimotor period, seen around 18–24 months, where children solve problems by thinking before acting.
Children begin to form mental images and ideas (representations) to understand objects and situations.
They show advanced skills like planning, remembering, imagining, and pretending.
Deferred imitation appears, meaning they can copy actions after a long delay.
Creativity develops as children find new ways to solve problems instead of only copying others.