Final answer:
Children start engaging in socio-dramatic play between 2-4 years old, which becomes more sophisticated as they grow, from preschool through the early school years, contributing significantly to their social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kids first begin to use socio-dramatic play around the ages of 2-4 years old. At this stage, they are exploring self-concept and initiate socio-dramatic play that involves pretending, role-playing, and interacting with peers. By the age of preschool (3-6 years), they assert control over their environment through such play, developing crucial social and cognitive skills, and showcasing an understanding of gender roles, cooperation, and group identity.
As they grow into the early school years (6-10 years old), their play becomes more complex, involving group memberships and mixed-gender interactions. They learn to cooperate and share, and peer acceptance starts to play a significant role in their lives. Through socio-dramatic play, children develop emotional resilience, explore independence, and engage in elaborate scenarios that further their cognitive development.