Play is important for a child's development

Types of Play

UNOCCUPIED PLAY(0-3 MONTHS) Babies or young children exploring materials around them without any sort of organization

• It allows newborns to identify their legs, hands, arms, and feet

• This is their first attempt to learn about their world

INDEPENDENT/SOLITARY PLAY(BIRTH TO 2 YEARS) When a child starts to play alone

• Looking at colorful pictures in board books

• Sorting and stacking cups

• Playing under the play gym

• Playing with blocks

ONLOOKER PLAY(2 YEARS) Child begins to watch and observe other children play but does not play with them

• Watching other children play at a distance

• Children suggest possible solutions to other children but not actively joining in on their play

PARALLEL PLAY( 2+ YEARS) When a child plays alongside or near other children but does not play with them

• The child playing in the same area but not necessarily with the same toy

ASSOCIATIVE PLAY(3-4 YEARS) When a child starts to interact with others during play

• The child will play on the playground equipment but all doing different activities like climbing, swinging or sliding

COOPERATIVE PLAY When children play together with shared goals

• Playing store

• Playing restaurant

• Putting on a stage show

• Playing going to the doctor