Play is a critical part of your child’s learning and development, but did you know that there are milestones for typical play skill development? Some children have delayed play skill development. Your SLP or OT may work with your child to build their play skills. Some children may engage in all 6 stages of play in a single day!
Stage 1: Unoccupied Play
This stage typically occurs in children approximately 0-3 months old. In this stage of play development, children are learning about how their body moves and exploring objects in their environment. Unoccupied play can involve a lot of movement, exploration of toys (looking, putting things in their mouth, feeling things with their hands and feet).
Stage 2: Solitary Play
This stage typically occurs in children approximately 0-2 years old. In this stage of play development, children are not yet interested in playing with the people around them. You may start to notice emerging functional play in this stage, which involves using a toy as it is “supposed” to be used. This can look like stacking and knocking over blocks, driving a toy car on the ground, and more!
Stage 3: Spectator/ Observer Play
This stage typically occurs in children approximately 2 years old. In this stage of play development, children begin observing those playing around them. They do not join in the play or play themselves, but they observe the child playing and learn about how other children play, too.
Stage 4: Parallel Play
Have you ever noticed children who seem to be playing together, but are really playing two completely different ways, with two different toys? This stage of play development typically occurs in children ages 2+. In this stage of play development, children play next to each other, but not with each other. They may even communicate about their respective play, but seem as if they are talking to themselves.
Stage 5: Associate Play
This stage of play development typically occurs in children ages 3-4 years old. In this stage of play development, children increase their interactions with others during play. A child may play with the same toy as another child, but still play on his own. For example, children may be playing with blocks but building different structures.
Stage 6: Cooperative Play
This stage of play development typically occurs in children 4+ years old. In this stage of play development, children play together and show interest in both the shared activity and the child(ren) that they are playing with.
Helpful tips when building your child’s play skills at home:
- Unplug! Give your child your full, undivided attention during play. Avoid phone, tablet, and television screens during play time.
- Follow their lead: engage with whatever your child is interested in, loves to play with, or enjoys doing. Get silly with them!
- Get on their level: Children love playing on the floor. If that’s where your child is most comfortable playing, sit next to them and play.
- Remember their play skills and strengths: If your child is a Stage 2 Solitary Player, it is unlikely that they have the skills to jump right into an involved game of make believe. That’s okay! You can play next to them, comment on their play, or engage with some of their toys.
If you have concerns about your child’s play skills, schedule a free consultation with a speech-language pathologist by filling out our new patient forms.
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