The child may engage in forms of social interaction, such as conversation about the play, without actually joining in the activity.[, Parallel play (adjacent play, social coaction) - when the child plays separately from others but close to them and mimicking their actions.[2][3] This type of play is seen as a transitory stage from a socially Play becomes sophisticated and increasingly symbolic. Play in the preteen years often is a group production, and the pastimes kids prefer reflect that. Many complex head games for several players, and equipment for organized sports or activities (baseball bat and glove, racket/paddle games) is often a hit. Dramatic/Fantasy Play: When your child who loves to play dress-up, doctor, or restaurant, it's dramatic or fantasy play. Through this type of play, not only does your child's imagination get a workout, but she learns how to take turns, cooperate, share and work on language development. February 19, 2014. Part 2: Play, Not just for Kids! Stages of Development of Social Play Mildred Parten (1932) research is still cited today. She researched the development of social play in children (2-5 years of age). She discovered that a child's development of his/her social skills is reflected in the way they play. She Parten's Stages of Play Mildred Parten She was one of the earliest reseachers to study children at play. Parten focused on the social interactions between children (ages 2-5) during play activities and as a result she developed five stages of play in 1932. The five stages are: Through play, children learn where they fit in in the world. Researcher Mildred Parten identified these six stages of play that children progress through. It's important to note that each child develops at his or her own pace, so children of the same age may not show exactly the same types of play. Parten's six stages of play . Unoccupied play. childrensmuseums.org Understanding children's developmental stage at various ages is an important part of teaching young children. The following theories and stages of play help explain how maturation takes place as children grow and develop. Parten's Classification of Play. In 1932 Mildred B. Parten developed a system for classifying participation in play. There are several stages of play that are part of a child's life. It helps determine the child's interests and more importantly it helps develops the child's social and cognitive skills. Play occurs in certain stages through which the child will slowly go through and grow into. Although there are certain time-frames given as to which stage of play the child is in at what age, it is not But kickball isn't the only activity that counts as play. Here's a breakdown of Parten's 6 types of play, a classic tool developed by American sociologist Mildred Parten Newhall.It's Each stage is very important to the development of the next. While not all children are the same and may not progress through the stages at the same time, the following are common types of play grouped according to your child's age: Infant. Infants like to be entertained. As an infant grows, he or she is able to play more purposefully with toys. Each stage is very important to the development of the next. While not all children are the same and may not progress through the stages at the same time, the following are common types of play grouped according to your child's age: Infant. Infants like to be entertained. As an infant grows, he or she is able t