6 interesting types of play that support a child’s development

Following are the major types of plays for children that support physical and mental development progressively.

1. Unoccupied play

Unoccupied play is generally defined as when children are not ready to play. In this stage, the baby or toddler creativity moves his arms and legs with no purpose until or unless he feels like doing it or if it feels good and interesting to him.

It is the most basic type of play. Here the child is free to think, imagine and play. The entire world is new to children so it is not required to think about organising things. Even the smallest thing is full of wonders for the child. Choose something that is full of colours and try to avoid things that make noisy sounds as they make the little one scared.

The most suitable activity for this play is child-friendly household objects. Just scatter the playing objects on the floor and allow the child to explore them.

2. Independent play

This type appears when the child plays alone with no interference from adults. This stage often does not arrive in the playing lifecycle of extroverts. They always enjoy company while playing. Playing quietly in the corner is for the introvert. They always like playing alone without any interference.

But, this stage is highly significant. A child can not socialise with others if he or she is not comfortable with himself, in his own space. This stage teaches the child how to be comfortable with himself. Encourage this behaviour since childhood and it will make life easier for the child as he grows up.  

The most useful activities for this type of play include playing with cardboard, kitchen utensils, train sets, etc.

3. Onlooker play

This type of play becomes relevant when the child starts observing other kids playing while not actually playing themselves. This phase is considered to be inactive but is still very significant.

This is the child’s first step to start learning how to play with other kids. This phase is not confined to kids only. The child also observes when the adults play around him. Even if the child stays home there are plenty of options for him to observe.

The most useful activities for this type of play include gardening, playing a musical instrument and puzzles.

4. Parallel play

Parallel play is the phase just before your child starts playing with other kids. At this playing stage, the child becomes quite protective about his toys and shares with others only when he feels like doing it.

But, this phase is proof that the child is getting ready to start playing with other kids and learn how to connect with people outside the immediate family. The most beneficial activities for this type of play include stickers’ books and tunnels made with soft materials etc.

5. Associative play

Here, the child finally learns how to play with other kids but the child doesn’t organise the play yet. Normally, at the age of three, the kid starts enjoying the process of socialising with other kids. While the play is not purposeful, the kid starts enjoying having other kids around.

This is the right time to introduce your kid with art materials and small toys. The most effective activities for this play include Lego, art materials, and engineering-geared toys.

6. Cooperative play

This phase is the beginning of teamwork. The kid starts playing with other children sharing a common purpose or goal. This is considered to be the most important one because it prepares the kid for a successful social life. The kid learns the art of interacting and communicating with other children.

It is considered to be the most exciting step for the entire family. The most common and beneficial activities for this play include swing, a soccer ball, a dance bar, etc.

Playtime for children sets some serious goals and they are highly beneficial for the growth of children.