What cognitive advance typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 9?

The cognitive advance that typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 9 is reading to learn. During this developmental stage, children transition from simply learning to read, where they focus on decoding words and understanding basic texts, to using reading as a tool for gaining knowledge and comprehension of more complex materials. They begin to engage with texts for the purpose of acquiring information rather than just practicing their reading skills.

This shift marks a significant cognitive development, as children start to apply their reading skills in various contexts, exploring subjects such as science, history, and literature. As they continue to develop, their ability to analyze and synthesize information from what they read will further enhance their learning experiences.

The other options represent earlier or more advanced stages of literacy development that either precede or follow this cognitive leap. Learning to read typically occurs before ages 6 to 9, while writing short essays or comprehending complex texts generally represents skills that are developed after this crucial stage of reading to learn.