The theorist Jean Piaget was very interested in the development of children's intellectual organization. Piaget's theory of cognitive development begins with the sensorimotor stage. Sensorimotor intelligence thinks by observing objects and acting in response to them. Through the stages the child understands that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, a phenomenon called object permanence. When a child displays behavior that creates an experience that leads to repetition of the behavior, this is known as a circular reaction. (Berk, 2010) The sensorimotor phase is focused from birth to two years. It is divided into six sub-phases in which the child learns to coordinate his senses and motor skills. The following content lists the six subphases.1) Simple reflexes (0-1 month)2) First habits and primary circular reactions (1 to 4 months)3) Secondary circular reactions (4 to 8 months)4) Coordination of reactions secondary circular reactions (8-12 months)5) Tertiary circular reactions (12-18 months)6) Internalization of patterns/beginnings of representational thought (18-24 months) Source: Sensorimotor period. (Lee, 2010) The first subphase includes innate reflexes such as root, suck, moro, tonic neck, grasp, Babinski and gait reflexes. During the first month of life it is very evident that the newborn is born with these important reflexes. A newborn baby can be placed on the mother's breast and she will root for food and suck for nourishment without any assistance. The newborn understands the environment exclusively through these innate reflexes. (Santrock, 2008) These reflexes not only help the baby develop some, but can also be used for survival. At this age the child already has the step reflex... in the center of the card... at the top, which is stage five. In stage six, if I told my two-year-old that he can only have one more treat, he would be able to think and ask for another one. It's clear he was thinking and planning ahead at this point. Works Cited Berk, L. E. (2010). Development across the life span. Boston: Pearson Education. Garvin, B., & West, J. (2010, 10 05). Piaget's period of sensorimotor intelligence. Retrieved August 3, 2011, from Articlesbase: www.articlesbase.comLee. (2010). Piaget: sensorimotor period. Retrieved March 8, 2011, from Columbus City Schools: www.columbuscityschools.org/lee/pioneer/stage1.htmPiaget, J., Gruber, H., & Voneche, J. (1977). The essential Piaget. New York: Basic Books. Potter, Pennsylvania (2009). Fundamentals of nursing. St. Louis: Elsevier. Santrock, J. W. (2008). A current approach to development across the lifespan. New York City: McGraw-Hill.