Kids typically start to engage in cooperative play, where they play together with shared goals, between 3 and 5 years old.
This period marks a significant shift in their social development. Before this age, children often engage in parallel play (playing alongside each other without much interaction) or solitary play. As they develop, they begin to show interest in interacting with their peers during playtime.
Here's a breakdown of how different types of play emerge and the ages associated with them:
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Solitary Play (Infancy - 2 years): Children play alone and are not interested in interacting with others.
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Parallel Play (Around 2 years): Children play next to each other but don't interact much. They might be doing similar activities, but they are playing independently.
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Associative Play (3-4 years): Children start to interact during play, sharing toys and talking, but they don't necessarily have a shared goal or plan. For example, children might all be playing with blocks, but each is building something different and there is not a central theme.
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Cooperative Play (4-5+ years): Children play together with a common goal or purpose. They share ideas, assign roles, and work together to achieve something. Building a fort together, playing a board game, or creating a pretend scenario are all examples of cooperative play.
While these are general age ranges, it's important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. Some children may start cooperative play earlier, while others may take a little longer. The key is to provide opportunities for social interaction and encourage them to engage with their peers.
