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10 Different Stages of Kids Play Newsletter

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10 Different Stages of Kids Play Newsletter

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This stage of play builds for kids social, emotional, cognitive development and growth. Children learn to share and take turns. How to listen to others and behave and begin to problem solve.

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This allows children to explore their environment. Build problem solving skills and develop curiosity. Unoccupied play allows children to use their touch, sound and sight.

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This is a way kids can explore the world through their senses. Brain development is activated through this process. Motor skills and language skills are developed. Sensory skills help enhance memory skills.

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At this stage children tend to listen to rules and cooperate. Learn through observation. This can also be encouraged by having kids have their own space, chair or bench to watch activities alone from a safe distance when outside.

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This is an important part of a kid's development for the onlooker. This is also the stage were kids watch other kids and learn from them. This is also the stage for gaining social skills and controlling their impulses. Observation helps kids sharpen their perception.

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Coopertive play teaches kids the need to cooperate instead of competing. Also teaches kids to observe their peers and learn from them. This type of play focuses on social play.

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The importance of competitive play is creativity, motivation, risk taking and self-reflection. Learning good sportsmanship rather you lose, or win is the art of playing with groups of people fairly.

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Children engaging in an activity side by side while exploring their independence. As they can acknowledge one another but remain focused on their own individual task. This is what we call parallel play. Achieving independence but together.

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Constructive play is important. It helps a child with a lot of different skills. Skills like problem solving. Which allows kids the room to make mistakes. Children also learn Fine and gross motor skills. Along with the capability to be creative.

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This young guy is independently playing alone. As he is focused in on his toy. Other people are around but he is independently self-occupied. This particular form of play is called Solitary play. No one else is needed for this guy's attention.

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1.The 6 Stages of How Kids Learn to Play | Play Development (pathways.org)

2. Stages and Types of Play for Child Development (parents.com)

3. The 6 Stages of Play in Childhood - Types of Play in Children (whattoexpect.com)

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Play is all about having fun! Any activity, organized or unstructured, your child finds fun and enjoyable is considered play. But play is much more than just a fun activity for your child! As a child grows they go through different stages of play development.

While playing, children learn and develop important skills they will continue to use throughout their lifetime.

Problem solving, creativity, and willingness to take risks are just a few of the skills developed through play.
Download our FREE mobile app for games, play ideas, and track important milestones.
Children who use their imagination and 'play pretend' in safe environments are able to learn about their emotions, what interests them, and how to adapt to situations. When children play with each other, they are given the opportunity to learn how to interact with others and behave in various social situations. Learn more about your child's social-emotional development.

Be sure to give your child plenty of time and space to play. There are 6 stages of play during early childhood, all of which are important for your child's development. All of the stages of play involve exploring, being creative, and having fun. This list explains how children's play changes by age as they grow and develop social skills.

At this stage baby is just making a lot of movements with their arms, legs, hands, feet, etc. They are learning about and discovering how their body moves.

Solitary Play (Birth-2 Years)

This is the stage when a child plays alone. They are not interested in playing with others quite yet.

Spectator/Onlooker Behavior (2 Years)

During this stage a child begins to watch other children playing but does not play with them.

Parallel Play (2+ Years)

When a child plays alongside or near others but does not play with them this stage is referred to as parallel play.

When a child starts to interact with others during play, but there is not a large amount of interaction at this stage. A child might be doing an activity related to the kids around him, but might not actually be interacting with another child. For example, kids might all be playing on the same piece of playground equipment but all doing different things like climbing, swinging, etc.

When a child plays together with others and has interest in both the activity and other children involved in playing they are participating in cooperative play.

Watch to see what the six stages of play can look like:

As your child starts playing with family members and friends, make sure to teach them about sharing and winning and losing.

Play starts when we are babies, but it does not stop there! Including play in your child's daily routine and giving them time to play is important for their development at every age. These stages are general guidelines for what to expect of your child's play skills, but remember every child is different and if you have concerns bring them up with your healthcare provider.

Your child makes a lot of changes as they grow. Learn more about how play can change as your little one does.

Check out what else to expect from your baby. Follow their milestones here!

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The 6 Stages of How Kids Learn to Play | Play Development

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Playtime is More Than a Fun Activity, It's a Learning Experience! Learn About the 6 Stages in Play Development That Build Your Child's Social Skills!