1. Why do children play?

2. Purpose of Play: To have fun Learn about themselves Learn about their world For entertainment

3. Active and Quiet Play Active Play – activities that are primarily physical and use the large-motor skills. – Climbing a tree, playing tag, etc. Quiet Play – activities that engage the mind and small-motor skills and no not call for much movement. – Reading a book, playing with clay, coloring, etc.

4. Play of Infants Learn about the world through their senses Put things into their mouths Be sure that there are no sharp edges or small parts that could be swallowed

5. Infants and Play Sensory toys – objects that stimulate the senses with different textures, shapes, sounds, and colors. – Mobiles, teething rings, toys that squeak or rattle.

6. Solitary Play – when a child plays by themselves. Seen often in infants and young toddlers.

7. 3 months – roll over and grasp rattle 6 months – play “pat-a-cake” and “peek-a-boo” They love to drop toys and watch you pick them up Very short attention span Talk to baby to develop language skills, they need stimulation to learn

8. Play of Toddlers Allow room for running Alternate between active play and quiet play Can undress self Parallel Play – play next to each other, but not together

9. Play of Preschoolers Proud of their abilities (“Watch me!”) Rides a tricycle with ease Loves to climb around the jungle gym Able to throw and catch a ball Enjoys crafts – finger paints, clay… Learning to use blunt scissors Love to explore Asks a lot of questions (“Why? Why?”) Enjoy role-play and dress up Able to use a fork and knife by age 5

10. Cooperative Play – when children actually play together and share things * Ages 3 and up

11. Pretend Play – a type of play which allows children to learn about their world. It may include things like playing house, store, school, post office and so on.

12. Play of School-Age Children Better at playing on their own Enjoy organized games and sports