Activities at Each Stage of Play

Now that you are aware of the different stages of play and the targets for each stage, it is time to come up with a play plan for your child to have a play date with another peer or his/her sibling. Below is an example of a play plan for a child that is in the stage of parallel play. You will see that there are some targets from other stages of play. This is because a child can be at different level of play depending on the activities (familiarity of the activity).

Parallel Play (Brainstorming Activity Sheet)
Schedule	Target Skills	Materials
Saying hello, circle games, singing (5 mins)	-       Child looks at peer and say “hello” -        Child stays with peer during circle games -        Child imitates peer’s actions during imitation game	-       Visual prompt card to say “hello” -       Song choice board that the child is familiar with
Obstacle Course (10 mins)	-       Child and peer cooperate with adult instructions -       Child responds to peer’s requests (Can I have….)	-       Hula hoops, ball pit, chairs, small bean bag -       Visual schedule of the obstacle course -       Reinforcement for staying with peer and following adult’s instructions
Break/Snack (5 mins)	-       Child request from peer (Can I have___, I want ____) -       Table manners (sit nice, stay with friend, eat over plate)	-       Visuals to remind good table manners -       Tokens to reinforce good table manners
Painting (5 mins)	-       Child request from peer -       Child response to peer’s request -       Child stays with peers -       Child imitates peer	-       Paint -       Paint brushes -       Papers for painting -       Example of finished product -       Coloring pages (more structure v. free painting)
Story time/Goodbye (5 mins)	-       Child looks at peer and say “goodbye” -       Walks peer to door -       Follow circle time rule	-       Visual reminder to say goodbye -       Visual reminders of sit nice, quiet mouth, hands of lap

Here are some ideas on finding activities that promotes interactions:

·       Simple physical games

·       Structured games / activities involving turn-taking or sharing

·       Activities that promote shared attention

·       Role play with shared themes

·       Action songs / finger play

·       Bringing / taking items to children

·       Giving activities (hand out drinks, materials for arts & crafts)‏

·       Sharing simple humor with peers

Planning and having specific targets for play are important because it ensures that play is productive and successful.  However, remember to target the  goal where both children are having fun too! 

Written by 

Gan Huey Sien 

Senior Consultant, EAP Malaysia.