What cognitive skill builds upon children’s ability to symbolize and leads to imaginative play?

The correct answer is based on the concept of preoperational thinking, which is a key stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development. During this stage, typically occurring between the ages of 2 and 7, children begin to develop their ability to use symbols, which is foundational to language and thought. Symbolic thought allows children to represent objects, events, and ideas with symbols, including words and images. This development is crucial for imaginative play, as children can create scenarios, role-play, and use objects to represent something else, demonstrating their ability to think creatively and abstractly.

Imaginative play is a form of symbolic play where children act out roles and scenarios, indicating a higher level of cognitive complexity. They engage in narratives and create worlds based on their imagination, which solidifies their understanding of different perspectives and enhances their social skills. Therefore, preoperational thinking is the cognitive skill that not only builds upon the ability to symbolize but also fosters the richness of imaginative play, making it a vital component of early childhood development.