Mildred Parten

Question 1

What are Parten’s 6 stages of play?

Answer 1

Solitary Play
Parallel Play
Associative Play
Cooperative Play
Games with Rules
Onlooker Play

Question 2

Describe Solitary Play (Birth - 2 yrs)

Answer 2

Children play alone with their own toys. They do not get close to or interact with other children. Solitary play should be encouraged because it builds skills for working independently

Question 3

Describe Parallel Play (2 1/2 yrs to 3 1/2 yrs)

Answer 3

Children continue to play on their own but they are beside children and may be using the same toys

Question 4

Describe Associative Play (3 - 4 1/2 yrs)

Answer 4

Children begin to truly play with others. they share play materials but may be following their own storyline

Question 5

Describe Cooperative Play ( 4 - 5 1/2 yrs)

Answer 5

The highest level of social play where children play in groups and everyone is cooperating to achieve a common goal. This type of play involves negotiation among children. This happens when children change “roles” in the play and/or take turns making suggestions about the plot.

Question 6

Describe games with rules stage (6+ yrs)

Answer 6

A part of cooperative play that involves winners and losers. These games involve child-controlled rules and are not the same as competitive games like sports. These games show an understanding of the social rules in our culture

Question 7

Describe Onlooker Play(Birth+)

Answer 7

When a child watches other children playing but makes no attempt to join in