What characteristic interferes most with children ages 5 through 7 engaging in cooperative games?

Egocentricity is a developmental characteristic that can significantly interfere with children ages 5 through 7 engaging in cooperative games. At this stage of development, children often have a self-centered perspective and may have difficulty understanding the viewpoints of others. This egocentric mindset can lead to challenges in working together with peers because they are more focused on their own needs and desires rather than considering the dynamics of the group or the game's objective.

During cooperative games, children are expected to collaborate, share responsibilities, and communicate effectively. However, egocentricity can hinder these processes as children may struggle to recognize or appreciate the contributions of their teammates or the importance of working towards a common goal. This can result in conflicts, a lack of engagement, or a reluctance to participate fully in cooperative activities.

In contrast, empathy, cooperation, and flexibility are traits that typically enhance children's ability to engage successfully in such games, promoting understanding, teamwork, and adaptability in group settings. Therefore, egocentricity stands out as the characteristic that most obstructs children in this age range from effectively participating in cooperative play.