The stages of the game during child development
Playing is an essential component of development that teaches your child about motor skills, social development and emotional well-being, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is why you should ensure that your child has plenty of time to play. As children grow through different phases of playing that show how they are changing in their development. Different ways your child plays and the people with whom your child plays can give you a glimpse of how it is growing.
Solitary
During the first two years of your child's life, they may show little interest in playing with other babies. They mostly will keep alone when it comes to playing with toys or games. Try your best efforts to arrange a play date with other children. The AAP emphasizes that children between ages of one and two years are just very interested in the world around them.
Viewer
From two years to two and a half years, you will notice that your baby begins to watch other people around him. Suddenly they notice what other children are doing, and will happily join them without looking at them.
Parallel
Parallel play occurs between the age of two and a half and three. Your child can see other children playing, and go and sit next to them to play. Children, if they have the same age, may not look each other but are happy to play along but apart each other.
Associated
Between the ages of three and four years, your preschooler will start to see the merit in playing with other children. Interact with other children through playing. At first they can be shy and will test the boundaries and explore playing with other children. You may see two children playing apart for a while, and then together for a short time to play a game that needs the cooperation, such as throwing a ball. they can then separate and play alone.
Cooperative
At four years your child is ready to learn to play cooperatively with other children. The Encyclopedia of Children's Health points out that through the cooperative game there is a marked leader in the group and the game is structured as a play at school with friends. This can cause problems, but it can be resolved quickly by switching to a less disturbing game. Children interact with each other through cooperative play, and work together toward a common goal.
