During this stage, children play by themselves. It begins as infants and goes into the toddler phase because of limited physical, social and cognitive skills. Infants in this stage learn about the world around them through play. Provide infants with toys that appeal to their senses. Toddlers in this stage play with toys and may play near each other, but don't interact with other children. Oftentimes you see children in this stage playing with their toys, unaware of other children around them. They are very focused on the play they are engaged in.
Parallel play involves children, ages 2 to 3 years old, playing near each other and sharing similar toys. They talk to themselves while they play, but don't converse with one another. There is a lack of involvement with other children. Parallel play looks similar to solitary independent play, but is actually a bridge children use to ease into associate play. They are closer to other children, but don't actually engage.
This stage is still centered on the individual child and happens among children, ages 3 to 4 1/2 years old. In associate play, the child plays closer to others and borrows and share toys; however, the child still has the thought that he is the most important. During this phase, children are still independent and don't work in groups. With children in this stage, start to pair them up with others so they begin to transition into the cooperative play phase. It is important they begin to develop their communication skills. It is also during this time that children like to hop, skip and jump, further developing their large motor skills. They enjoy riding toys, using blocks to build things and doing puzzles and crafts.
Cooperative play involves children, ages 4 to 6 years old, playing together, interacting with toys and sharing. During this play, some children stand up as an organizer of the group, suggesting what everyone plays. For example, during this stage children may play house together. A child may decide who the mom, dad and children will be. Kids are interacting together, playing and using their imagination.
As children enter elementary school, their play is much more organized. They play with each other, getting together and organizing themselves on their own to play games such as kickball, football or baseball. At this time they are aware of rules and begin to be become competitive with others. Children during this stage are group-oriented and tend to choose friends who have the same interests.
Much of adolescent children play is through sports. Competition among each other is very important. They play games by the rules and make sure others that play stick to the rules. They enjoy socializing with their friends by going to the movies, shopping at the mall or listening to music. The adolescent stage involves kids hanging out with friends and socializing for their play. Girls tend to play in smaller groups, while boys hang out together in larger groups.