At what developmental stage do children typically begin to understand symbolism in art according to Jean Piaget?

The understanding of symbolism in art typically begins to develop during the concrete operational stage, as outlined by Jean Piaget. In this stage, which generally occurs between the ages of 7 and 11, children start to think logically about concrete events and can grasp the idea of symbols representing other things. They begin to understand that artwork can represent real-life objects or concepts, which is fundamental to interpreting art and recognizing its symbolic meanings.

Moreover, during this stage, children's cognitive abilities enable them to engage more deeply with the representational aspects of art. They can see beyond the immediate literal representation and start to comprehend the deeper significance that symbols can convey. This developmental readiness allows for a richer engagement with artistic expressions and an appreciation for the layered meanings found in symbolic art.

In contrast, the other stages—preoperational, abstract, and formal operational—connect with different cognitive abilities and ways of understanding the world. The preoperational stage, while characterized by imaginative thought, does not yet encompass logical reasoning, which is necessary for grasping symbolism fully. Meanwhile, abstract and formal operational stages involve a more advanced understanding and manipulation of ideas that come later in development. Thus, the concrete operational stage is where the groundwork for understanding symbolism is laid.