Games and Activities for Each Stage of Play
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Unoccupied Play (0-3 months)
A baby begins learning from day one so this is the very first stage of play. During this stage they will learn about their environment, body and how to control it. There are countless activities you can do with your little one to develop a whole breadth of skills, ranging from hand/eye coordination to using their leg muscles to stand. Below are examples of just a few you can do with them.
Tummy Time – Babies should always sleep on their back but during play it is okay to lay them on their tummy. This allows them to develop their core muscles.
Evolving Mobile – change it every couple of weeks by adding/replacing items. Helps develop vision.
Rattle – When your baby is very young they will be unable to shake the rattle themself but their reflexes will allow them to grasp the handle. Help them to shake it so they can enjoy the sound as well as develop their hearing.
Cuddly toys – hold the toy within baby’s arm length. Looking at the face will help them develop visual focus, and if you move the toy around it will also develop their ability to track an object.
Mirror, mirror – Show your baby their reflection in the mirror so they learn to recognise themself. Take this opportunity to also point out parts of the body on yourself and baby. Show them where your ears are, show them where their ears are, etc.
Song time – You can do this during tummy time to make it more enjoyable for them. Lay on the floor in front of your baby, so you are face-to-face, and sing to them. They will enjoy watching your face and listening to your voice. It will also help them develop language skills through the sounds you make.
Clap hands – Help your baby clap their hands to music. The music will stimulate their hearing and the clapping will develop body awareness.
Peek-a-boo – Always a favourite with parent and baby alike, this game develops play and memory skills.
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Independent/Solitary Play (Birth-2 years)
In this stage of play your child will be happy playing on their own, and they will play with just about anything including a cardboard box! Let them explore the world for themselves but be sure to provide a good mix of toys and books. What kind of books and toys you provide is entirely dependent on what your child likes, but as an example you could provide the following:
Books, dolls or cuddly toys, train sets, building blocks, Duplo, cars, a play shop, tea set.
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Onlooker Play (2 years)
Whilst your child may not want to participate directly, you can still expose them to a wide variety of experiences.
Take them to the local play park and let them watch the other children at play. They may eventually join in.
Involve them with what you like to do – gardening, baking, playing an instrument, artwork, etc. Whilst they may not want to participate, just watching you will be of value.
Let them watch older siblings at play so they can learn how other children interact with each other. If they attend a regular club you could also be able to sit and watch them for a while.
Parralell Play (2+ years)
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In this fourth stage of play children are just beginning to put their knowledge of how to play with others into practice. They do this by playing alongside them, watching them, sometimes mimicking them. Encourage this interaction by providing toys and activities that can be shared with other children, but ensure each child has their own toy/activity to avoid conflict or upset.
Lego or Duplo.
Stacking blocks.
Outside play equipment.
Sandbox play.
Play dough.
Associative Play (3-4 years)
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Children are now able to play together although they may still have varying goals. At this stage, children are beginning to make friends but it is not based on the same principles as that of older children. Choose toys and activities that will encourage this interaction.
Junk modelling.
Art and craft such as painting and sticking.
Water play.
Cooking and baking, for example, pizza or biscuits.
Lego, Duplo and other building toys.
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Cooperative Play (4+ years)
The final stepping stone that will eventually lead to adult-like interaction is cooperative play. In this stage they learn the importance of teamwork, respect, empathy, responsibility and social-etiquette such as turn-taking, giving them the skills they need to function successfully in their adult social world. Activities can include:
Imaginative and role play
Team games such as football.
Board games.