Stage 2 Mythical-Literal Faith When one has aquired concrete operational thought he/she begins to separate what things are real and what are make-believe. One takes on the stories, beliefs and observances of the group to which they belong. This gives rise to a more linear, narrative construction of meaning and coherence. STORY becomes the major way of giving unity and value to experience. Meaning is trapped in story and so one cannot "step out" of the story to reflect and analyze. During this stage, one has increased accuracy in taking the perspective of others and thus a morality begins to develop based upon reciprocal fairness and justice. One in this stage believes stories one hears basing understanding of self and universe by them. A stage 2 person understands the difference between make-believe and reality. |
"Stories of lives and of great adventures- true or realistically fictional- appeal because of their inherent interest, but they also appeal because they become media for the extension of the child's experience and understanding of life." - James Fowler |