6 Stages of Play
From birth, humans play. Play is vital for healthy development. During play, children learn and practise social, cognitive, organisational, physical, and emotional skills. They develop creativity, imagination and problem-solving. Sociologist Mildred Parten divided play into six stages. At each of these stages, children develop cognitive and social skills that form the foundation for future successful interaction with others.
As we grow, we build upon each skill and apply them to other areas of our lives. Every child develops differently and each stage looks different for each child. Sometimes stages happen simultaneously, and some stick around while new stages are explored.
Here at Discovery Time, we are all about learning through play. Click the links below to find out more about the different stages of play.