During which stage do children demonstrate manipulation of symbols and objects according to Piaget?

The correct answer is that children demonstrate manipulation of symbols and objects during the Pre-operational Stage, which follows the Sensorimotor Stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development.

In the Pre-operational Stage, which occurs roughly between ages 2 and 7, children begin to engage in symbolic play and learn to use language effectively. This stage is characterized by an increased ability to represent the world through symbols, words, and images. Children start using symbols to represent things that are not physically present, which allows for more complex play and imaginative scenarios.

While the Concrete Operational Stage involves more logical thinking and understanding of concrete events, it is in the Pre-operational Stage that children significantly advance in their abilities to manipulate symbols and engage in pretend play. This is a critical period for cognitive development, as it lays the groundwork for later, more complex forms of thinking.

Therefore, the Pre-operational Stage is the correct answer as it most accurately describes the phase where symbolic manipulation becomes prominent in children's cognitive processes.