STAGES OF PLAY

Play can be seen across cultures all over the world. There are many different types of play, but it is typically anything that is fun and engaging for the player. Play is freely chosen by the individual, but play opportunities can also be provided by others. Play is an essential activity for a child’s development because it is linked to the growth of many skills such as language development, cognition, and social-emotional development. Play provides children with opportunities to explore, experiment, and learn about their environment. Children can learn how to express their thoughts and ideas, listen to respond to others, and take turns and negotiate with others through play.

Stages of Play

The social play stages were first described by Dr. Mildred Parten, a developmental psychologist, in 1932. The stages are not mutually exclusive so children can be in multiple stages at once.

1. Unoccupied

   1. Ages in this stage: infants

   2. What is it: watching people and objects with brief interest, but not engaging with them

2. Solitary Play

   1. Ages in this stage: infants, 0-2 years old

   2. What is it: playing alone and independently with different materials nearby peers, but makes no effort to get close to other children; they often pursue their own activities

3. Onlooker Play

   1. Ages in this stage: toddlers

   2. What is it: observing particular peers and engaging in conversation about their play but not engaging directly in play; they sit or stand within speaking distance of the group

4. Parallel Play

   1. Ages in this stage: toddlers, 2-3 years old

   2. What is it: playing independently but the activity they choose naturally brings them among other children; they do not try to influence or modify the activity of the other children, playing and engaging beside peers with similar materials but focused on their own play

5. Associative Play

   1. Ages in this stage: preschoolers, 3.5 – 4.5 years old

   2. What is it: playing and engaging with peers with the same materials but without any shared purpose

6. Collaborative Play

   1. Ages in this stage: preschoolers, 4-5 years old

   2. What is it: playing and engaging with peers with the same materials and a shared purpose

Types of Play

Within each stage of play, there are different types of play that describe how children interact and engage with activities. Some children may be interested in one type of play whereas others may engage in multiple types of play at the same time. Here is a list of some types of play:

• Functional/Explorative Play – involves exploring toys and objects in simple and repetitive ways (e.g., banging, shaking, pulling) and physical play (e.g., throwing, running, climbing, jumping)

• Symbolic Play – a form of imaginative play where children use item to symbolize other things; children can learn how to problem solve and adaptability skills

  1. Constructional Play – using materials to make other objects and is a transition between functional play and more creative symbolic play; emerges around age 2 years old, children can build their persistence, planning, and cooperation skills

  2. Dramatic Play – creation of a pretend play scenario where the child pretends to be someone else; emerges around ages 3-5 years old, dramatic play can help build language skills and empathy

• Game Play – when children begin to play games with rules and use logic and appropriate social skills to navigate this type of play; emerges around school aged children, this type of play can help with teamwork, turn-taking, and emotional regulation

• Sensory Play – children engage their senses to see how things taste, smell, and feel; this type of play is important for building nerve connections in the brain and the development of fine motor skills

How Parents can encourage and support play at home:

• Make sure your child has a safe space to play in – clear the play area of any potential hazards and check in throughout playtime

• Listen to your child – let your child guide the play rather than giving directions, try not to step in and show them how to do something

• Talk to your child while you’re playing – explaining what they’re doing will help with their language development

• Play it again – practicing and mastering a challenge can help your child grow their confidence and make it more likely to take on new challenges and learn new things

OWLing: observing, waiting, and listening

• Observing – watching your child closely in order to see the things that he/she is interested in; then include their interests in what the two of you do together

• Waiting – will give your child enough time to send messages in her own way; waiting can also give your child a change to take in and think about what you are saying

• Listening – when you listen carefully to your child’s sounds, words, or sentences, you learn about what she can already do and what you can build upon

S.P.A.R.K:

• S – start the same way each time; asking

• P – plan when your child’s will take a turn; examples: at the end, before the high point, when you pause

• A – adjust the routine so your child can take his turn; examples: pause or change it

• R – repeat the same actions, sounds, and words each time

• K – keep the end the same

Resources: 

Importance of Play in Early Childhood | ECLKC. (2024, April 1). Eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/curriculum/article/importance-play-early-childhood

Marketing, G. (2023). Types of Play for Early Childhood Development. Www.gowriensw.com.au. https://www.gowriensw.com.au/thought-leadership/types-of-play-for-early-childhood-development

‌NI Direct. (2018). How Play Helps children’s Development. Nidirect. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/how-play-helps-childrens-development

Sussman, F., & Robin Baird Lewis. (2010). More than words : a guide to helping parents promote communication and social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. The Hanen Centre.