Identify and explain Parten’s categories of social play

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Unoccupied behavior occurs when the child moves about the classroom going from one area to another, observing but not getting involved. Solitary play occurs when the child plays alone, uninvolved with other children nearby. Children at all ages engage in this type of play, although older children’s solitary play is more complex. Onlooker play is quite common among two-year-olds, a child stands nearby watching others at play, without joining in. Parallel play occurs when children use similar materials or toys in similar ways but do not interact with each other. Associative play is increasingly evident as preschoolers get older; children interact and even share some of their materials, but they are not engaged in a common activity. Finally, cooperative play is typical of older preschoolers; this is the most social form of play and involves children playing together in a shared activity.