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It helps them learn new skills, express themselves, and explore the world around them.
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Unoccupied Play
1
Parallel Play
Associative Play
2
3
Solitary Play
4
Dramatic / Fantasy Play
5
Competitive Play
6
Physical Play
7
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This is when your baby is just exploring their surroundings.
Develops motor skills
1
Improves sensory awareness
2
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Exploring their environment
1
Making sounds
Moving their arms and legs
2
3
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Parallel play is a stage of child development in which children of the same age group play side by side but do not interact.
This type of play is often seen in children between 18 months and two years old.
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It helps children to learn how to share space with others
1
Develops individual identity
2
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Playing side by side with another child but not interacting
1
Building towers next to each other
2
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Associative play is a type of play in which children engage in creative and imaginative activities with no specific goal.
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Encourages creativity
1
It helps children learn new ways of thinking
Practices problem-solving skills
2
3
Builds social skills
4
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Pretending to cook food
1
Making up stories
Playing with toy animals
2
3
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Solitary play is when children play alone, without the company of other children.
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Helps children explore their interests
1
Develops a sense of identity
Encourages emotional regulation
2
3
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Playing with toys alone
1
Exploring their environment
Engaging in creative activities
2
3
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Dramatic fantasy play is a form of role-playing in which the players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting.
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Allows players to explore different worlds
1
Builds social skills
Encourages creativity and imagination
2
3
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Role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons
1
LARPing (live-action role-playing)
Cosplay (costume play)
2
3
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Competitive play is an important part of child development. It helps children learn how to set and achieve goals, cooperate with others, and deal with disappointment.
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It helps children learn how to set and achieve goals
1
Encourages cooperation
Teaches essential skills such as sportsmanship and teamwork
2
3
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Organized sports such as soccer or baseball
1
Card games such as Go Fish or War
Board games such as Monopoly or Candyland
2
3
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Physical play is vital for children’s development. Through play, children learn about their bodies and how they move.
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Learn about their bodies and how they move
1
Develop strength, coordination, and balance
Gain a better understanding of spatial relations
2
3
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Outdoor play such as running, climbing, or riding a bike
1
Indoor play such as jumping on the trampoline or playing with a ball
2