Appendix 8.12: Development of Play

Vocabulary flashcards covering the stages, types, and specific behaviors of play development from birth through $$5\,\text{years}$$ of age as detailed in Appendix 8.12.

Exploratory Play (Birth-$6\,\text{months}$)

A type of play where sensorimotor play predominates and interaction is focused on social attachment and bonding with parents.

Exploratory and Functional Play ($6-12\,\text{months}$)

A stage where sensorimotor play evolves into functional play, social play occurs with parents and others, and children use toys according to their purpose.

Relational and Functional Play ($12-18\,\text{months}$)

Play behavior involving simple self-directed pretend play (such as eating or sleeping), linking two or three schemas in simple combinations, and imitative play from an immediate model.

Functional Play ($18-24\,\text{months}$)

Play involving multischema combinations where children perform multiple related actions, link schemas into meaningful sequences, and use objects for multiple pretend ideas.

Symbolic Play ($24-36\,\text{months}$)

Play in which toys represent animals or people, drama is enacted with stuffed animals or imaginary friends, and children play house while assigning or taking on specific roles.

Constructive Play ($24-36\,\text{months}$)

Play during which the child participates in drawing and puzzles and imitates adults using toys.

Complex Imaginary Play ($3-4\,\text{years}$)

Play involving complex scripts for pretend sequences where pretend objects have actions reflecting real or imaginary roles, and child portrays multiple characters with feelings.

Constructive Play ($3-4\,\text{years}$)

A stage where children work with puzzles and blocks and create art products without assistance.

Rough and Tumble Play ($3-4\,\text{years}$)

Physical play involving activities like swinging, jumping, running, and using a sliding board at a playground.

Social Play ($3-4\,\text{years}$)

Play involving singing, dancing in groups, circle time, and associative play where children play with others while sharing and talking about a play goal.

Games with Rules ($4-5\,\text{years}$)

Play consisting of group games with simple rules, organized play with prescribed roles, and gross motor games such as kickball or "duck, duck, goose."