Question

Children go through several stages of play. The development of social play changes from ages 1 to 6 years old. What are the six stages and provide a brief explanation of each I just need the stages and a brief explanation.

Answer 1

Children’s play changes as they develop, going through six distinct stages there are mainly 6 types of social developmental changes that occurs in children from birth that is 1 year to 6 year old age which we are going to discuss below:

• Unoccupied play – It takes place from birth to 3 months of age. The child is apparently not seen engaged or actively playing with others. They may remain isolated in this stage making a lot of movements with their arms, legs, hands, feet, etc. They are learning about and unearth how their body moves.

• Solitary play – It takes place from birth to 2 years of age. During this stage of play, children’s are apathetic towards what others around them are doing; they often play alone with toys different from others. But it is important for children of all age groups to participate in different activities. Solitary play is common at a young age because physical, cognitive and social skills are still in the verge of developing process. This type of play is necessary because it teaches children how to fascinate or entertain themselves.

• Onlooker play – It mainly occurs 2 years of age. It is when a child watch others playing but does not participate to play. They will frequently engage in other forms of social interactions such as gathering information about the play which is happening or conversation to learn.

• Parallel play – It occurs from 2 years of age or above. It is when a child play alongside or near to others does not play but there is a lack of group involvement amongst them. They will be seen playing with similar kind of toys and often enact one other’s behaviour. Although it seems to look like a very little contact between them but these children are learning important social skills from one another.

• Associative play – It occurs from 3 to 4 years of age. At this stage, children will begin to play together, but not concentrated towards a common goal. Associative play is somehow or slightly different than parallel play as children may continue to play separately from one another, but they start to become more engage in what others around them are doing. For example all child might play on the same piece of playground but might possess different kind of activities like climbing, swinging, playing with sand etc.

• Cooperative play – It takes place from 4 years or above. Cooperative play is where children finally become active and engaging in different activities with other groups and teamwork is seen. Children are now interested in both playing with as well as the activity at hand. The group start to play together and to form a leader, as well as other assigned roles, and play to accomplish their goals or specific tasks. It requires an upgrade set of organizational skills and a higher level of social maturity. It is indeed a pinnacle, bringing together all the skills learned so far into action, giving the child his necessary skills for social and group interactions.

      Reference : Parten MB Social Participation among Preschool Children. Journal of Abnormal and   Social Psychology. 1932; 243–269.