Stages of play
How children play changes as they develop. Children typically engage in particular types of play at particular ages. Some forms of play begin at birth and others only appear at later developmental stages.
Solitary play
Children play on their own. (Up to four years of age, most common in children up to age two).
Parallel play
Children play alongside another child, but without interacting with them. (Common in children up to about four years of age).
Associative play
Children play at the same experience. There is some interaction but if one child moves elsewhere the other child can still continue with the activity. (Most common in children aged four years and up).
Cooperative play
Children play together and interact with each other. Each child depends on the other child/children’s cooperation for this type of play to continue. There is a common goal and some social complexity. If one child leaves the game/activity it will alter or halt the play for the other child/children. This form of play may be only for short periods of time to begin with and will depend on the experience being provided and the adult’s role in supporting the play and the interactions between the children. (Most common in children aged four years and up).
Types of play
There are many different types of play and physical activity.
Functional constructive dramatic
athletic quiet energetic boisterous
imaginative creative musical physical.
In your notebook, write down one example for each type of play.
Physical play
Children engage in many different types of play. Physical play is one of the most important.
Most of the leisure activities children participate in these days are sedentary, such as sitting in front of the computer or tv. This is having significant health consequences. Statistics show that one out of five children is overweight or obese. Children need to have at least sixty minutes, and up to several hours, of physical activity a day.
Read Fundamental movement skills and Physical development for more about physical activity and development.
Remember, outdoor play areas need to be set up in interesting ways, with resources changed regularly, to engage and challenge the children.
In your notebook, write down:
- a brief explanation of what you think your role is in promoting physical activity for the children in your care
- five activities you could provide to do this.
Then draw a table like this:
| Fundamental movement skill | Group activity | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Throwing | ||
| Kicking | ||
| Balancing | ||
| Striking/hitting | ||
| Running |
- In the Group activity column, write an activity that a small group of children could participate in to develop the corresponding skill.
- In the Equipment column, write down what equipment would be required.
