COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERISTICS IN PRIMARY GRADES AND PRINCIPLES OF AI INTEGRATION BASED ON THESE CHARACTERISTICS

This article examines the main characteristics of cognitive development in primary school students and proposes key principles for integrating artificial intelligence into the educational process in accordance with these developmental features. Primary school age is a critical period in which children develop perception, attention, memory, thinking, speech, imagination, and basic learning strategies. At this stage, learners need age-appropriate, emotionally supportive, visually rich, and activity-based instruction. The article argues that the integration of AI in primary education should not be technology-centered, but child-centered. AI tools can support personalized learning, timely feedback, differentiated instruction, motivation, and diagnostic assessment when they are used in harmony with the psychological and pedagogical needs of young learners. Special attention is given to the principles of developmental appropriateness, cognitive load management, human-guided interaction, ethical use, inclusiveness, and the balance between digital tools and live communication. The article concludes that AI can become an effective pedagogical assistant in primary education only when it supports the child’s natural cognitive growth, strengthens the role of the teacher, and contributes to meaningful, safe, and engaging learning.