There are many types of play children encounter with age, environment and mood. As children grow, they evolve in their playing abilities starting with independent play and moving through parallel play, cooperative play, and even competitive play. The sequence of play is an important role in child development and sets the foundation for learning how to interact and socialize with others into adulthood. Cooperative play or understanding group skills is the culmination of play stages during childhood.
Independent Play
Independent play is important because it teaches the child how to entertain himself and helps him become self-sufficient. The focus on independent play occurs during the toddler stage as the child is learning about self-exploration and honing communication skills. As the child plays independently, he becomes comfortable in playing. Including peers in the play process provides a more complex play pattern for parallel play.
Parallel Play
Parallel play is another stage of development for independent play. Parallel play allows children to watch others covertly and explore new play ideas, words, sounds, ideas and actions. This naturally leads to interacting and engaging with others in cooperative play.
Cooperative Play
Cooperative play incorporates all stages of play allowing children to bounce from independent and parallel play to more involved group interactions through cooperative play. Cooperative play promotes turn-taking, sharing and social skills. It is the main focus of group skills needed to interact with others. Group skills are essential recreationally, educationally and in forming healthy social bonds from childhood through adulthood. Thus, toy sets like
zombies and plants 4pcs stuffed toys or that of angry birds can be available.
Toy ideas for independent, parallel and cooperative play
The following toys and play products are suggestions to help develop independent, parallel and cooperative play skills ultimately honing group skills which are critical for social development and emotional well-being.