Cooperative Play Behavior

Today we observed Trey Davey and Benji playing cooperatively as they rolled the tow truck back and forth to one another. Experts say young children’s play may take one of five different forms. Playing by oneself is called solitary independent behavior. Playing passively by watching or conversing with other children engaged in play activities is called onlooker behavior. Playing, even in the middle of a group, while remaining engrossed in one's own activity is called parallel behavior. Children playing parallel to each other sometimes use each other's toys, but always maintain their independence. Sharing materials and talking to each other, without coordinating play objectives or interests is called associative behavior. Organizing players into roles with specific goals in mind is called cooperative behavior. Research has shown that children typically don’t participate in cooperative behavior until older, between 3 to 5 years old.