Toddlers begin participating in activities with other children their age between the ages of three and four. They will be more concerned with the other children or the object involved in the game than with the activity itself. Associative play is the name for this type of game. Also, you’ll observe that there isn’t any interaction between the toddlers in these group activities, nor is there any organization to obtain a shared goal (1) (2). It’s a wonderful sight to witness your toddlers interact with one another. This early period of social engagement also aids your toddler in reaching critical developmental milestones. In this post, we discuss what associative play is and how it benefits toddlers while also explaining, in brief, the six stages of play during childhood.
Stages Of Play
Mildred Bernice Parten Newhall, a researcher at the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development, developed the theory of six stages of play that children experience. Associative play falls into the fifth category. Let’s learn about each of these stages (2) (3).
Examples Of Associative Play
The following are some examples of activities that children usually indulge in during associative play.
Building a tower of blocks without planning and competition
Sharing the same playground and using the same play equipment, such as slides, swings, merry-go-rounds, and climbers
Cycling next to other children without choosing a destination
Playing dress-up for a Halloween party or pirate-themed party
Sharing a play kitchen and using play utensils, toys, etc.
Painting or doing other craft art using the same material, but not commenting on each other’s work or completing the art together
Playing with the same toy without chatting with each other
Doing activities such as puzzles or connect-the-dots in preschool
Dancing at a party without any competition with each other
Eating their meals together during recess
Forming a line to go to the washroom
Running around in a circle without a motive to catch each other
Playing on the playground without communication, however taking turns
Benefits Of Associative Play
Your child is no longer in their own world in the associative play stage. Their world is expanding as they start including people other than their caregivers into their lives. Associative play can help children develop valuable skills and learn important values. Here are some benefits of associative play (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10). Allow your child to explore the world around them. Don’t be possessive if you don’t find yourself grabbing all the attention of your toddler during this transition stage, as you will always be their favorite person.
