Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

Chapter Topics Play is a child’s important work. They need lots of hands-on experiences with interesting things to look at, touch, and manipulate. They also need opportunities throughout the day to move and climb.

Chapter 2 The Stages of Play Play is a child’s important work. Children learn through their five senses. They learn through sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste. To support their learning, caregivers should provide a safe environment and supervised freedom to move and explore.

Young children love to pretend and play make-believe. Such fantasy play provides opportunities for growth and development. Play also encourages experimentation and discovery. Play is an important part of a young child's day. Young children are actors without stage fright. They say what they feel and feel what they say. By observing children at play, you will gain insight into their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Play is a window into their minds. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

Dramatic play is a form of play in which a single child imitates another person or acts out a situation. Socio-dramatic play involves several children imitating others and acting out situations together. It is the most complex form of play seen in child care settings. However, it is seldom observed before age three. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

Children go through several stages of play before they are able to take part in socio-dramatic play. First is solitary play. parallel play. Followed by Finally, children learn to engage in cooperative play. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

Infants most often play by themselves. This play is called solitary play or independent play. Their play is basically exploratory in nature. Solitary explorations involve the child gathering information. Until about nine months of age, infants explore single objects. After this, they can examine multiple objects at once. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

Parallel play is typical of two-year-olds. In parallel play, children play beside each other, but not with each other. All the children may be involved in similar activities, but there is little interaction among the children. Children in this age group focus more on using play materials on their own. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

Cooperative play is play between two or more children. As children grow socially and emotionally, they begin playing with their peers for short time periods. Gradually they learn to respect the property rights of others. This is a clue they are gaining social skills. At the same time, they are learning that permission is needed to use some materials. They are more willing to share with others. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

It is at this stage that socio-dramatic play begins. As children take part in cooperative play, they become more interested in social relationships. As this occurs, they learn how to develop and maintain peer relationships. From this grows socio- dramatic play. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

You need to offer an assortment of culturally relevant activities, experiences, and materials that are based on developmentally appropriate practice. Developmentally appropriate practice supports the belief that all children are unique and progress through predictable ages and stages at their own pace. Make sure that the activities, materials, and experiences are appropriate for each child in your care. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

To engage children in active, meaningful learning it is important that you: Foster positive self-identity and a sense of emotional well-being Develop social skills and knowledge Encourage children to think critically, reason, question, and experiment (as used in pre-reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies) Encourage and demonstrate sound health, safety, and nutritional practice Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

To engage children in active, meaningful learning it is important that you: Encourage creative expression, representation, and appreciation for the arts Develop a sense of belonging to the natural environment Ensure the materials and practices of your program reflect the backgrounds and current practices of the children and families enrolled Respect and celebrate cultural diversity Enhance physical development and skills Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

Younger and older children may enjoy the same materials and a single material can satisfy multiple needs. Consider the interests and abilities of the individual children in your care before deciding which materials are appropriate. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

Children move through three stages of materials use in their play. Not all young children, however, will reach the second or third stages. 1.The first stage of material use is called the manipulative stage. 2.The second stage is called the functional stage. 3.The third stage is called the imaginative stage. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

The first stage of material use is called the manipulative stage. A child at this stage handles props. For instance, when given a baby bottle, children in the manipulative stage will screw and unscrew the cap. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

The second stage is called the functional stage. During this stage, the child will use the prop as intended while playing with other children. Using a doll bottle, the child will pretend to feed a doll. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

The third stage is called the imaginative stage. Children in this stage do not need real props. They are able to think of substitutes. Instead of feeding the doll with a bottle, they may use their finger, a stick, or clothespin, or a pencil. Likewise, if a broom is needed to sweep the floor, a yardstick may be used. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

Many times children at the imaginative level come up with unique ideas for their socio-dramatic play. They may use a toy to represent a dinosaur, a doll carriage for a grocery cart, or a paper bag as a chef’s hat. When dramatizing a restaurant theme, they may make paper money to buy food. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

Not all young children, however, will reach the second or third stages. Some children find it difficult to get involved in a role if there are no real props. In a restaurant scene, for instance, some children will play the role of servers. Children at the manipulative or functional stage will say they cannot play the role without paper and pencil. Chapter 2 The Stages of Play

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