As children get older, the way they interact with other people during play changes. These changes are called stages of play.
The 6 stages of play are:
- Unoccupied
- Playing alone
- Onlooker
- Parallel
- Associative
- Cooperative
Each stage is normal.
Every child is different and can go through the stages at different times. If you are worried about your child, contact your public health nurse.
Unoccupied play
Unoccupied play is when a baby moves for no reason, such as kicking their legs. This type of movement is the first sign of play.
You can encourage unoccupied play by letting your child move around. It also helps not to wrap them up while they are awake.
Unoccupied play usually happens from birth to 3 months.
Playing alone
When children play alone, they explore the world around them. Children do this by touching and tasting things. They also enjoy hearing their own voice.
You can encourage your child to explore by giving them a variety of safe and age-appropriate toys.
Playing alone can happen from birth to age 2.
Onlooker play
Onlooker play is when a child watches other children play and does not join in. This type of play is the first step in learning to play with others.
Onlooker play is a normal, healthy part of development.
Parallel play
Parallel play is when children play next to each other, but do not interact. For example, colouring while sitting side by side or making separate towers from building blocks. This behaviour is a normal part of learning to play.
Parallel play usually happens between ages 2 and 3.
Do not force children to play together. Playing with other children comes with time.
Associative play
Associative play is when children play together, but have different ideas and goals. For example, talking to each other and playing with the same toys, but doing different things.
Associative play usually happens between ages 3 and 5.
You can encourage associative play by taking your child to a playgroup.
Children continue associative play as they get older. For example, when they trade cards or stickers.
Cooperative play
Cooperative play is when children start working together towards a common goal. For example, building a block tower together. This type of play helps your child to develop social skills.
Cooperative play usually happens between ages 4 and 6.
Children continue cooperative play as they get older. For example, building a den, doing team activities or playing board games.