What cognitive characteristic develops in children during early childhood?

The development of automaticity in gross motor skills is a notable cognitive characteristic that emerges during early childhood. In this stage of development, children become more proficient in their physical movements as they practice and refine their motor skills. This automaticity allows them to perform gross motor tasks, such as running, jumping, and climbing, with greater ease and confidence.

As they engage in these activities, their cognitive processes are also enhancing, as they learn to coordinate their movements with their thoughts and surroundings. This development allows children to participate in various physical games and activities that not only foster physical health but also promote social skills and teamwork.

The other options are more advanced cognitive skills or skills that typically develop later in childhood. Logical reasoning and the ability to solve abstract mathematical problems usually become more pronounced in later childhood. Similarly, complex language comprehension, while developing throughout early childhood, does not reach full complexity until later years. Understanding the timeline of these developmental milestones helps clarify why automaticity in gross motor skills is the appropriate answer for this question.