Which activity is essential for cognitive development in early childhood?

Interactive play with peers is vital for cognitive development in early childhood because it fosters essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and social interactions. During play, children engage in creative thinking and explore different roles, which encourages the development of language skills as they communicate and negotiate with their peers.

Moreover, this type of play allows children to learn about cooperation, turn-taking, and empathy as they navigate various social situations together. The spontaneity of interactive play also enables children to experiment with their ideas and learn from their experiences, leading to a deeper understanding of the world around them.

In contrast, structured worksheets and listening to lectures tend to be more passive learning experiences. They do not provide the same level of engagement and active exploration that interactive play does. Solo reading time, while beneficial for literacy, may not offer the same breadth of cognitive development as play involving interactions with other children.