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As a child grows, play emerges in different ways and forms. This Guidebook is designed with “Emerging Play" stages as an organizational framework. As all children generally follow the same developmental sequence, knowing what play behaviors “come next” will influence toy selection. Open-ended toys that promote discovery offer a variety of learning opportunities for all children. Children grow at their own rate and often incorporate elements of many types of play in what they do. Knowing the “next step” helps us to support the young player to grow and develop through play.
Play Stages are described below:
SENSORY EXPLORATION
What’s This? |
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The young child uses his/her senses to “explore” objects in the same undifferentiated way with repetitive movements. S/he may repeat movements with 2 objects (bang cup/spoon together).
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FUNCTIONAL PLAY
What Does It Do?
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The child manipulates objects in a functional manner (e.g., pressing keys on a keyboard, activating a busy box), and then combines objects (put balls in/out of containers). Imitation begins (holds cup to mouth).
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CONSTRUCTIVE PLAY
What Can I Make?
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The child begins to sort and build with various objects. Materials are used in simple and then more complex ways. Creative expression begins.
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PRETEND PLAY
What can it be?
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The child begins to create situations (drive a car to a gas station, give “medicine” to a “sick” friend). S/he engages in pretend play where objects take on new purposes (boxes become cars). |
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