Final answer:
Children aged 7-11 enjoy mixed-gender group play, sports like Little League Baseball, and participating in structured groups like scouts. They can follow game rules, engage in imaginative play, and are developing both cognitively and emotionally, with peer relationships playing a significant role in their self-esteem.
Step-by-step explanation:
Play Preferences of School-Age Children (7-11)
During middle and late childhood, between the ages of 7-11 years, children engage in a variety of play activities that support their social, cognitive, and physical development. At this stage, kids have evolved from playing primarily with same-gender friends to enjoying mixed-gender play groups. They find companionship more valuable and may often be seen cooperating and sharing with peers, though sometimes they can exhibit jealousy. Sports such as Little League Baseball become appealing, as they not only enjoy the game but also value being part of a team.
Furthermore, children in this age group are able to follow game rules thanks to a developing understanding of concepts like luck and fairness. They also participate in activities such as scouts and enjoy playing imaginative games, where they can invent characters and scenarios. Such play helps them with self-expression and learning about social roles.
Emotionally, these children can be sensitive to peer acceptance, with their self-esteem fluctuating accordingly. They begin to value privacy more and can alternate between mature behavior and more childlike responses. This age marks a period of cognitive growth as well, with expanding abilities in logical thinking and planning, though their attention spans are still developing until about age 11.