What significant development occurs in children aged 9 to 11 regarding their attention span?

During the ages of 9 to 11, children experience a notable increase in their attention span. This developmental milestone allows them to focus on tasks for longer periods, progressing from about 30 minutes to potentially several hours of concentrated effort. This improvement is tied to cognitive growth, brain maturation, and the development of executive functions, which include skills like working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-control. As children's ability to concentrate expands, they can engage in more complex tasks, participate in longer lessons, and delve deeper into various subjects, which is critical for their educational development.

The other choices suggest either a static attention span or a decrease, which does not align with the typical cognitive and developmental trajectory observed in children during this age range. Additionally, the notion that attention span only increases during special activities undermines the broader cognitive advancements that occur during this critical period.