Play

This type of play involves a child playing beside other children.  There is no actual interaction, but the toys are similar.  The child is playing beside the other children rather than with them.  (2-3 YEARS)

This type of play involves a child playing with other children.  The children share toys and interact with one another.  Children are involved in similar but not identical activity.  There is no specific organization of activities.  Each child does what he/she wishes but is a part of a large group.  (3 YEAR – SCHOOL AGE)

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.  There are usually leaders and followers in this type of play.

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

1.    Play teaches children how things work.  They learn how to reason and solve problems as well as practice new mental skills.

A child is involved in playing and interacting with others and/or with objects.  A child needs to be involved in active play a majority of the time because children learn by active playing.  The term activity does not necessarily mean jumping up and down or running.  A child can actively look at a book, put a puzzle together, look at the clouds and create images out of them, etc.