Which developmental skill involves a 5-year-old being able to follow multi-step directions?

The ability of a 5-year-old to follow multi-step directions is indicative of cognitive skills. Cognitive skills are essential for understanding and processing information, which includes the capacity to comprehend sequential tasks or instructions. At this developmental stage, children typically begin to demonstrate improved memory and attention, enabling them to grasp concepts that involve more complexity, such as multi-step directions.

Fine motor skills, while important for tasks requiring manual dexterity, do not directly relate to following instructions. Gross motor skills pertain to larger movements and coordination, such as running or jumping, rather than cognitive processing. Social-emotional skills involve understanding and managing emotions and interacting with others, which also does not pertain to the ability to follow multi-step instructions. Therefore, cognitive skills are essential for a child to successfully understand and execute complex directives, making them the correct choice in this context.