What developmental skill are children aged 4 to 5 learning according to Erikson?

Children aged 4 to 5 are primarily focused on developing a sense of initiative according to Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages of development. This stage, referred to as "Initiative vs. Guilt," emphasizes the importance of children learning how to initiate activities independently. At this age, children become more confident in their abilities and begin to assert their own plans and ideas. They experiment with different roles, engage in imaginative play, and strive to take the lead in various tasks. This fosters not only their cognitive development but also enhances their sense of autonomy and self-esteem.

While the other options touch on important aspects of social and emotional development, the core of Erikson's theory at this stage centers around initiative. Learning to follow rules, share toys, and manage emotions are all significant milestones, but they are secondary to the primary objective of fostering independence and the ability to take initiative in their actions and decisions.