Play

Question 1

When does sensorimotor play occur?

Answer 1

0-1 years

Question 2

How does a child play by 6 months?

Answer 2

• Reaches and grasps for small objects
• Takes objects to mouth
• May shake objects to make sounds

Question 3

How does a child play by 9 months?

Answer 3

• Can shake object in imitation

- Can start playing simple social games

Question 4

How does a child play by 12 months?

Answer 4

• Takes objects to mouth less

- Puts objects in and out of boxes

Question 5

When does functional pretend play occur?

Answer 5

1 - 2 years +

Question 6

How does a child play from 12 months?

Answer 6

Example:

Attempts to use a hairbrush to brush hair, or teddy

Question 7

How does a child play from 13-14 months?

Answer 7

Example:

Pushes a toy car around the floor

Question 8

When does symbolic pretend play occur?

Answer 8

18 months +

Question 9

How does symbolic pretend play develop?

Answer 9

Develops gradually from first attempts (18 months+) to sociodramatic play (3 years+)

Question 10

What happens during symbolic play?

Answer 10

• Substituting one object for another
• Attributing imaginary property to an object or a situation
• Referring to an absent object or person as if they were present

Question 11

When does sociodramatic play occur?

Answer 11

30-36 months (2.5-3 years)

Question 12

What happens during sociodramatic play?

Answer 12

• Assignment of roles
• Negotiation
• Engaging in play with a ‘plan’
• Foundation for more complex play, involving imaginary friends/worlds

Question 13

What are the social aspects of play?

Answer 13

Unoccupied behaviour: not playing, simply observing
Solitary play: child plays alone, uninterested in others (2-3)
Onlooker behaviour: child watches the play of others, and may talk to the children involved but this talk does not relate to the play (common in younger children)
Parallel play: child plays alongside others, often imitating
Associative play: children appear to be playing together but their activities are not organised
Cooperative play: playing together in a more organised manner and sharing interactions about the play (by 3 years)