Targets in Stages of Play

Last month, in one of our blog entries, we defined the three stages of play (Parallel, Associative and Interactive). In line with our October theme “Play Skills”, we will recap the three stages of play and share with you some of the targets in each stage of play.

Parallel Play

Definition: Involves limited social participation in which a child plays near other children with similar materials, but does not try to influence their behavior (start with parallel play even though child can do cooperative play with adults).

Target Skills:

·       Both children enjoy the sessions

·       Both children cooperate with adult instructions

·       Child can play appropriately alongside peer

·       Spontaneously imitates actions of other child or when instructed by adult

·       Responds non-verbally to peers’ requests (“Can I have the____?”, Child hands 

        the object to his peer)‏

Associative Play

Definition: Involves social interaction in which the children engage in separate activities, but they interact by exchanging toys and commenting on one another’s behavior.

Target Skills:

—  Reciprocates and initiates greetings

—  Take turns with toy or activity

—  Requests preferred items from peer and uses assertive language

—  Answers, reciprocates and initiates social questions presented by peer

—  Follow instructions and play initiations stated by peer

Cooperative Play

Definition: Involves social interaction that is more advanced type in which children orient toward a common goal.

Target Skills:

—  Learns new responses by observing peer (verbal and non-verbal)‏

—  Joins and initiates conversation

—  Responds to changes in conversational topic

—  Responds to peer's refusal and gestures

—  Play cooperatively in group games

We hope that the above information will help you identify your child’s stage of play. Remember, even though your child may be able to play cooperatively with adults, he/she may still need to start at parallel play when playing with a peer. We have also listed a few targets in each stage of play. However, these targets serve as a guideline and you may need to add or modify the targets based on the needs of your child.

Have FUN playing!

Written by

Gan Huey Sien

Senior Consultant, EAP Malaysia.