According to Piaget, what do children develop during the "preoperational" stage?

During the "preoperational" stage, which typically spans from ages 2 to 7 according to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, children begin to develop the ability to use symbols. This includes significant advancements in language development, as children start to use words and images to represent objects and experiences. Symbolic thinking allows children to engage in imaginative play, where they can use one object to represent another and think about things that are not present.

Moreover, during this stage, children show an enhancement in their verbal skills, enabling them to articulate their thoughts and describe their world more effectively. This growing ability to use symbols forms the foundation for later cognitive skills that will develop in subsequent stages, such as logical reasoning and more complex problem-solving.

The other options reflect abilities that emerge in later stages of development. While logical reasoning and analytical skills are typically associated with the "concrete operational" stage, problem-solving strategies and critical thinking develop further as children progress. Social interaction and group cooperation also become more pronounced during later stages as children refine their social skills and become more aware of others' perspectives. Thus, the correct choice highlighting symbolic thinking and language development aptly captures the essence of the preoperational stage.