Did you know about 75% of children under the age of 12 do not get enough active-free playtime? When broken down into ages, roughly two-thirds of 1-4 years old are missing out on structured social play. On the other hand, more than 68% of children between 5-8 years do not get the recommended pretend playtime.

 

Playing is the primary source of learning and development for children. It not only helps children get creative but builds self-worth. Young children develop many skills through the power of play, such as language skills, social skills, emotional skills, and even creative skills.

 

The cycle of learning through play during early childhood can be divided into six stages; each of which is equally important for your child’s development. Scroll down to learn more about it.

UNOCCUPIED PLAY (From Birth – 3 Months)

The first three months after the child is born are all about arms, hands, legs and feet movements, and discovering how their body moves.

 

If you have been in search of an infant daycare in Lenexa for one-on-one attention, we offer the best service in town. Visit our website for more.

SOLITARY PLAY (From Birth – 2 Years)

Until two years of age, children are not attracted to playing with others just yet. At this stage, it’s all about playing alone and discovering their surroundings.

 

While many parents might find it concerning, playing alone is very typical for children at this age.

ONLOOKER PLAY (2 Years)

This stage is just what the title suggests: onlooker. Children at this phase will sit back and actively engage in watching other children play won’t not join in.

 

While many parents might think that this is because their child is shy, it’s, in fact, quite a normal part of play development.

 

PARALLEL PLAY (2 Years and Above)

Once children are over the onlooker phase, consider parallel play as the warm-up round before they start socializing. Here, children will sit next to each other while playing but not really engage in any interaction.

For example, children will be seated at the same table while playing with blocks but will not overlap.

 

ASSOCIATIVE PLAY (3-4 Years)

This is the stage where the process of socializing begins. Rather than focusing on playing or the activity itself, children start taking an interest in the other players around them.

 

All the information children learned through onlooker and parallel play; this is where it comes into play. Their newly found social skill will be used to engage with others involved in the activity.

 

COOPERATIVE PLAY (4 Years and Above)

This stage demonstrates combined efforts between all the players involved. Parents and guardians need to remember that cooperation is an advanced skill that young children can find challenging.

It comes with many conflicts, which is absolutely normal.

Cooperative play teaches children to “cooperate” with each other through sharing, taking turns, and negotiating control during play.

 

You can help children in this stage by staying close and assisting in expressing emotions in a “healthy” way.

 

Choosing the right preschool and daycare can have a significant impact on your child’s play development. Play development has a crucial role in children’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and language development.

 

The Whole Child Development Center is an all-in-one solution for your daycare and preschool needs in Lenexa. We entertain children from the age of 6 weeks up to 5 years. For a details overview of our services, please visit our website or contact us today to schedule a tour.