Stages of Play

There are four stages of play which children move through within their social development.

1. Solitary.
2. Parallel.
3. Associative.
4. Co-operative.

-Solitary play: Children play alone with the reassurance of an adult being close by. They explore the wrold aroubnd them and enjoy adult-directed games such as peek-a-boo.
-Parallel play: From two years of age, children are more aware of each other. They may play alongside each other without playing together,
-Associative play: From three years children watch and copy each other.
-Co-operative play: By three years children play together, talk and decide what they want to play.