Play

It’s defined as any spontaneous or organized activity that provides enjoyment entertainment amusement or diversions

Classifications of play

1 Practice play/ Functional play

2 Symbolic play.

3 Games

4 Dramatic play.

5 Familiarization play

Types of play

#Solitary play

Mostly seen in infancy and goes through toddler age, it’s an independent play. Child plays alone with toys that are very different from those chosen by other children in the era.

#Parallel play

Mostly seen in toddlers. Parallel play is a form of play in which children play adjacent to each other, but do not try to influence one another’s behavior. Children usually play alone during parallel play but are interested in what other children are doing. Parallel play is very important for the 2½- 3 year old age range as it helps children to learn peer regulation, observation skills, working with and getting along with others as well as working independently.

#Associative play

Group play without group goals

Even though playing with same toys but there is lack of formal organisation

Mostly seen in toddler – preschooler

#Cooperative play

Preschoolers are well developed with language, motor and social interaction skills and they can work together cooperatively Eg.. Working on art project

#Onlooker play

Child observes others playing As a child grows they will start to notice others around them during their play. This is considered Onlooker play and is around the 2 -2½ years. In this stage the child spends most of their time observing, watching other children play. This stage of play often runs concurrently with Solitary play. This is also commonly known as spectator play.