Play and Learning Levels of Learning Levels of Play Types of Play Sensorimotor Level Solitary Play Quiet Play Primarily concerned with object exploration Independent play Encouraged by picture books, bead-stringing, pegboards, puzzles, doll play, coloring, etc. Creating concrete meanings through physical Onlooker Play Creative Play manipulation of environment Child playing is observing the Use of imagination in various mediums such as painting, Exploring children around him/her drawing, problem solving, music, dancing, getting along 18 months and younger with others, play dough, sand and water table, etc. Parallel Play Active Play Functional Level Several children are playing with the Stimulated by the use of balls, slides, swings, push-pull Exploring simple combinations and functional same materials, but are not playing toys, sand and water play, crates and blocks, riding toys, uses of objects together running, use of indoor materials like rhythm band, cars Listening, watching, imitating, relating & and trucks, etc. beginning to sequence ideas and actions Associative Play Cooperative Play 18 months to 3 years Play in which several children are Requires more than one person, e.g., role playing in playing together but in a loosely housekeeping, hide and seek, interactive play schemas Symbolic Level organized fashion utilizing a variety of materials. Gaining the ability to represent their world Dramatic Play through diverse symbolic means Cooperative Play Also called social play. Children try different kinds of life Fantasy play, storytelling, music, dance, Children accept a designated role roles, occupations and related activities. This play may be drawing, and print and are dependent on others for done quietly or actively, alone or with others, such as 3 years of age or older achieving the goals of the play playing with dolls or action figures. Manipulative Play Play that involves the use of hands, muscles, and eyes. Helps to develop coordination and wide variety of skills. Playing with puzzles, crayons, painting, cutting with scissors, stringing beds, are examples.
Play and Learning Levels of Learning Levels of Play Types of Play Sensorimotor Level Primarily concerned with object exploration Creating concrete meanings through physical manipulation of environment Exploring 18 months and younger Functional Level Exploring simple combinations and functional uses of objects Listening, watching, imitating, relating & beginning to sequence ideas and actions 18 months to 3 years Symbolic Level Gaining the ability to represent their world through diverse symbolic means Fantasy play, storytelling, music, dance, drawing, and print 3 years of age or older Solitary Play Independent play Onlooker Play Child playing is observing the children around him/her Parallel Play Several children are playing with the same materials, but are not playing together Associative Play Play in which several children are playing together but in a loosely organized fashion Cooperative Play Children accept a designated role and are dependent on others for achieving the goals of the play Quiet Play Encouraged by picture books, bead-stringing, pegboards, puzzles, doll play, coloring, etc. Creative Play Use of imagination in various mediums such as painting, drawing, problem solving, music, dancing, getting along with others, play dough, sand and water table, etc. Active Play Stimulated by the use of balls, slides, swings, push-pull toys, sand and water play, crates and blocks, riding toys, running, use of indoor materials like rhythm band, cars and trucks, etc. Cooperative Play Requires more than one person, e.g., role playing in housekeeping, hide and seek, interactive play schemas utilizing a variety of materials. Dramatic Play Also called social play. Children try different kinds of life roles, occupations and related activities. This play may be done quietly or actively, alone or with others, such as playing with dolls or action figures. Manipulative Play Play that involves the use of hands, muscles, and eyes. Helps to develop coordination and wide variety of skills. Playing with puzzles, crayons, painting, cutting with scissors, stringing beds, are examples.