6 Powerful Stages of Play in Early Childhood
The stages of play in early childhood are the basic building blocks of a child’s development. From tummy time to pretend play, every stage of play helps children grow essential skills.
According to sociologist and child development researcher Mildred Parten, there are six distinct stages that children progress through as they mature. These stages reveal so much about what your child needs and how they’re developing at every age.
In this post, we’ll dive into the 6 stages of play in early childhood, break down what they mean, and share fun, meaningful activities to support your child’s growth through each one.
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6 Stages of Play in Early Childhood
1) Unoccupied Play (Birth – 3 Months)
The first stage of play is when a baby has no specific activity or object in mind to play with. Babies will often engage in random movements and facial expressions that help them to develop their brain and muscles.
Activities:
- Tummy time
- Providing baby toys with different textures and colors
- Baby play gym
- Showing black-and-white pictures with high contrast
2) Solitary Play (3 Months – 2 Years)
In this stage, children play independently, focusing on toys or objects that catch their attention. They are still discovering the world around them and haven’t developed the skills to share or interact with other children just yet.
You’ll notice that children in this stage use their five senses to explore their environment. They might put objects in their mouths, shake them to see how they move, or bang them together to discover the sounds they make.
Activities:
- Filling empty containers
- Stacking cups – both my 1 and 2-year-old love these Battat stacking cups
- Sensory play – Create a bin with items like water, rice, pasta, or soft fabric scraps for scooping, touching, and exploring
- Touch and Feel Board Books – my kids really enjoy these books
3) Onlooker Play (2.5 – 3.5 Years)
In this stage, children watch and observe others at play but do not join in just yet. They are beginning to learn about social interactions, like taking turns, sharing, and understanding group dynamics.
It’s common for parents to feel concerned if their child isn’t actively playing with others at this stage. Rest assured, this is a completely normal and important part of their developmental journey. Watching others helps children build the foundation for future social skills and collaborative play.
Activities:
- Playground play
- Joining playgroups
- Group story time at your local library – this is very popular in many communities!
- Go to a local arts and craft fair for kids
4) Parallel Play (3.5 – 4 Years)
In this stage, children play side by side with their peers but do not yet interact directly or collaborate. They may engage with similar toys, like playing with different toy animals, but their play remains independent and without cooperation.
This stage is crucial for developing early social skills. Children will begin to show greater social awareness and start to recognize and consider the emotions and perspectives of their peers.
Activities:
- Toys that encourage pretend play: Toy animals, or a Play Kitchen
- Group sandbox play
- Doing craft activities next to other children
- Building block play – let each child build their own creation side by side
5) Associative Play (4- 4.5 Years)
In this stage, children begin to play and interact with their peers. They often use the same toys and include one another in their activities. This is when they start taking turns, sharing, and using words to express their thoughts and feelings while engaging in play.
While children are now playing together, their play is still unstructured and lacks a common goal. They are learning the basics of cooperation and social interaction, setting the stage for more organized group play in the future.
Activities:
- A train track set with different trains – I absolutely love this Brio Train Track Set
- A play barn with different animals
- A dollhouse with various dolls
- Playground/playgroup time
6) Cooperative Stage (4.5 Years and Up)
The final stage of play emerges when children begin working together to achieve a shared goal. This stage represents the most complex and interactive level of play. Children not only share and take turns but also collaborate and plan collectively to accomplish their objectives.
At this stage, kids demonstrate teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to establish and follow group rules. This cooperation helps them navigate challenges and ensures that everyone contributes to the group’s success.
Activities:
- Role-playing with different characters – This is my favorite nurse/doctor play kit
- Board games – I highly recommend these board games. They are great for teamwork and social skill development
- Hopscotch
- Organized sports
Whether you have a newborn baby, or an energetic toddler, understanding and supporting your child’s play is vital for their development.
I hope you enjoyed learning about the 6 stages of play in early childhood. Try implementing some of these activities to help your child thrive during each phase!
