Which of the following statements is typical of children ages 2 to 6?

• A. They engage in pretend play and begin to use symbolic thinking.
• B. They consistently understand conservation of mass and volume.
• C. They demonstrate abstract reasoning and hypothetical thinking.
• D. They show a strong ability to think logically about concrete events.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the developmental stage relevant to children ages 2 to 6, which corresponds to Piaget's Preoperational Stage of cognitive development.
2. Understand that during the Preoperational Stage, children begin to engage in symbolic thinking, which includes pretend play and using symbols to represent objects and ideas.
3. Recognize that children in this stage typically do not yet understand conservation of mass and volume; this ability develops later in the Concrete Operational Stage (around age 7 to 11).
4. Note that abstract reasoning and hypothetical thinking are characteristics of the Formal Operational Stage, which begins around age 12 and beyond, so these are not typical for ages 2 to 6.
5. Conclude that the statement about engaging in pretend play and beginning to use symbolic thinking best describes children ages 2 to 6.