Which developmental milestone is significant for children aged 3 to 5?

The ability to engage in cooperative play with peers is particularly significant for children aged 3 to 5 because this period marks a crucial phase in social development. During these early years, children start to cultivate social skills that are foundational for their interactions with others. Cooperative play involves sharing, taking turns, negotiating roles, and collaborating in play activities, which are essential skills for building relationships.

As children engage in cooperative play, they learn valuable lessons about empathy, communication, and teamwork. These experiences contribute to their emotional and social growth, helping them understand how to interact with peers effectively. This milestone lays the groundwork for future social interactions in school and other communal settings.

In contrast, the other options present skills that, while important, either come into play later in development or require a more advanced level of cognitive ability that typically emerges after the age of 5. For example, writing names and independent reading generally develop as children grow older and gain more confidence with language and literacy skills. Solving complex mathematical problems is an even more advanced skill that emerges later in childhood as cognitive abilities mature. Therefore, the emphasis on cooperative play during this age range underscores its importance in overall development.