Unlike Jean Piaget who saw children's play in primarily intellectual or cognitive developmental terms, Parten emphasized the idea that learning how to play with is learning how to relate to other people. As children grow and develop, play evolves. Certain varieties of play are associated with particular age groups, although all kinds of play occur at almost any age. Play is the way children interact and learn more about the world, and also several kinds of play are required to completely engage a child's social, physical, and cognitive development.

Parten's Social Stages of Play


1. Unoccupied play
Generally found from birth to about three months, babies occupied themselves with unoccupied play. Infants appear to make arbitrary movements without a clear purpose, and might appear to only be observing, but this really is the first kind of enjoying.
2. Solitary play
In the three to 18 months, children will spend much of the time playing by themselves. During solitary play, children do not appear to notice other kids playing or sitting nearby. They are researching their own planet by viewing, grabbing and touching items. Solitary play begins in infancy and is common in toddlers. But, it's essential for all age groups to have time for alone play.
3. Onlooker play
Onlooker play occurs most often throughout the toddler years. A child watches other kids play and acquires new language skills through listening and observation, while learning how to relate to other people. Although kids may ask questions of other kids or make comments, there's absolutely no effort to combine the play. This type of play generally begins during toddler years but can take place at any age.
4. Parallel play
By the age of 18 months to 2 decades, children begin to play along with other children, often mimicking thembut with no interaction. It also helps kids get the understanding of this idea of real estate ownership, including the concept of what's"theirs" and that which belongs to"others."
Additionally, this is when they start to reveal their requirement to be with other kids their own age. Parallel play is usually found with toddlers, though it occurs in any age category.
5. Associative play
When children are around three to four decades old, they become more interested in other kids than their own toys. Children start socializing with other kids. Associative play is when the kid is interested in the people playing but maybe not in coordinating their actions with these folks, or perhaps necessarily organizing their activities in any way. During associative drama, children within the group have similar objectives. However, they don't set rules and there is not any formal association.
6. Social/cooperative play
Children around age three are beginning to socialize with other children. They are interested in both the kids around themand at the activities they're doing. By interacting with other kids in play preferences, a child learns social rules like give-and-take and cooperation. Kids start to discuss toys and ideas, and follow established rules and guidelines. They start to learn to use moral reasoning to develop a sense of values. Activities are coordinated and participants have delegated roles. Group identities may emerge, much like make-believe games.
Past Parten's Stages, play may also be described from these additional categories or kinds of activities kids can participate in during play.
7.
When children run, jump, and play games such as hide-and-seek and label, they're engaging in physical drama. Physical play offers a chance for children to develop muscle strength, coordination, and workout and develop their own bodies while maintaining healthy weight. Children also learn how to take turns and accept losing or winning.
8. Constructive Play
Within this kind of play, children construct and make things. Constructive play starts in infancy and becomes even more complicated as your child grows. Throughout constructive play, children explore objects, discover patterns, and problem solve, to find what works and what does not. They gain confidence manipulating objects, and practice creating ideas and working with numbers and theories.
9. Expressive Play
Children learn how to express feelings and emotions during play.
10. Fantasy / Dramatic Play
Kids learn to create and envision beyond their entire world during fantasy play. They might assume adult roles and learn how to think in abstract ways. Kids stretch their imaginations and use new words and numbers to communicate concepts, imaginations and historical concepts. Kids can re-enact scenarios, experimentation with languages, and learn to communicate feelings during fantasy play. They're also able to work out emotional issues by projecting them on a dream situation.
11. Competitive Play
Competitive play starts in the late adolescence interval. The play is organized by group objectives and established rules. There is at least one leader, and kids are in or out of this group.
Children are moving from a self-centered globe to an understanding of the importance of social interactions and principles. Games with rules teach kids the concept that life has rules that everyone must follow.
12.
When children play electronic video games or computer-based learning applications, they are engaging in a form of solitary playwith. There is no social interaction or consequences. If excessive, virtual play often negatively impacts a child's executive functioning and social skills, including eye contact and attention span.
It's important to allow children to engage in all of these styles of play due to their overall psychological, intellectual, and physical development. A number of these styles of play will begin in the home, but a few types can only begin in pre-schools, rehab centres, or outside in public parks and on the playground. Ensure your child's well-being by imagining which styles of play have yet to be introduced at home, and offer them the chance to grow by visiting the regional park or playground.