The Six Stages of Play

 

      I touched base on a previous post about dramatic play and the importance of giving kids free reign with their imaginations. Imagination is such an important thing to try and keep alive for as long as possible. Life will eventually try to break people from using our imaginations as much, and that is so sad to me. It is one reason I found working with young children so important and freeing. I am able to continue using my inagination while helping children use theirs. Imagination is what will help us continue making ideas into reality. The very first steps of sttengthening our children's imaginations is through ample time of playing, both socially, and independenly. There are six stages of play kids go through in the early stages of life. I thought I would share them with you here.

     The first stage begins at birth until about 3 months old (preemies tend to stay longer in this stage, but that is not something that will always be the case). It is called unoccupied play. They movements that they make with their bodies when they are awake and content are purposeful for them. Even that young they are using those brain muscles as well as full body muscles to figure out what cause and effect. Oh this is what happens if i move this. They are still experimenting cause and effect with their little bodies and kearning about their world.

The second stage is called solitary play. They go through this stage from about 3 months until they turn two. In this stage they are very into themselves and uninterested in anyone or anything else, but what they are doing at that moment. They are experimenting and collecting and storing their own data in their brains during this play stage. Socializing is not important to them during play except from sa caregiver when they need help with figuring a new toy out.

     The third stage is the onlooker stage. This last during age 2. They become more aware and intrigued by what others are doing, but not enough to join in. They are still happy playing on their own without interacting with other kids, but are beginning to see the fun in playing with other kids near their age.

     The fourth stage is called parallel play. It begins at 2+ yrs. During this stage childrendo not mind playing near one another, but there is no interaction yet between the other children. There is no connection of activities either. They are still happy doing their own thing.

     The fifth stage of play is called associative play stage. It can begin at about 3-4 yrs old. During this stage children begin enjoying doing activities in the same area, but still is not interactive with one another yet. They are happy coloring at the same table together, or building with blocks, but are not interested in sharing ideas yet.

     The sixth stage is cooperative play. This begins around age 4.  This is when you see children begin working together to play games or build blocks, or put puzzles together. It is the age where socializing becomes more important to the child.


     Are there other things you notice about these stages that I missed? If so please comment and share.

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