Which of the following activities would best support social skills in school-age children?

Engaging in team sports best supports social skills in school-age children because it requires collaboration, communication, and interaction with peers. In a team sports environment, children learn to work together towards a common goal, which fosters critical social skills such as cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution. These activities encourage children to interact in both structured and competitive settings, helping them understand teamwork, develop friendships, and learn how to handle winning or losing gracefully.

While independent reading, online gaming, and solitary play may have their own benefits, they do not primarily focus on social interaction or the development of interpersonal skills as effectively as team sports do. Independent reading typically promotes individual cognitive development without interaction with others. Online gaming can encourage some social interaction, but it often lacks the face-to-face communication and cooperation found in team sports. Solitary play, while beneficial for self-regulation and creativity, does not provide the same opportunities for children to interact, collaborate, and engage socially with their peers. Overall, team sports stand out as the most effective means for promoting social skills during the school-age years.