Child development: types of play

Dramatic/Fantasy play

The child is involved in make-believe or imaginative situation. Teaches real life situation and problem solving and social interactions/behaviors.

Unoccupied play

The child is not involved in any particular activity. He/she just observes what seems interesting at the time.

Parallel play

This type of play involves a child playing beside other children. There is no actual interaction, but the toys are similar.

Associative play

This type of play involves a child playing with other children. The children share toys and interact with one another.

Cooperative play

This type of play involves organization. The child is a part of a group that has a specific purpose in mind such as making an art project or playing a game.

Onlooker play

Watching other children play. The child may talk to the children who are playing but does not become actively involved.

Competitive play

Whether it's Chutes and Ladders or playing on the local soccer team, the child is engaging in competitive play. Rules and turn taking, and functioning as part of a team are the big lessons taken from this type of play.

Solitary play

Child plays alone. This type of play is important because it teaches a child how to keep himself entertained, eventually setting the path for being self-sufficient.

Constructive play

Farms of constructive play include building with blocks, making a road for toy cars or constructing a fort out of couch pillows.

Skill mastery play

Occurs when a child learns or is beginning to learn a new skill. The child will continue to repeat the new skill over and over and over until they get it.

Physical play

Play develops large and small muscles and increases speed, strength, and coordination.