What describes the capability of a child to apply existing knowledge to new experiences?

The ability of a child to apply existing knowledge to new experiences is best described by assimilation. This concept originates from Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, where assimilation refers to the process of taking in new information and integrating it into existing cognitive frameworks. For example, if a child has learned the concept of a dog and encounters a new breed of dog, they can assimilate this new information by recognizing the characteristics that align with their prior knowledge of dogs.

In the context of motor development, this means that a child can take what they already know about their physical abilities and apply it to new activities or scenarios, helping them to build upon their skills. Assimilation promotes learning and adaptation to new environments, reinforcing a child's cognitive and motor skills as they navigate different challenges.