Growth and Development Q 19
The nurse is observing children playing in the hospital playroom. She would expect to see 5-year-old children playing:
A. Building a tower out of blocks
B. With their own toys alongside with other children
C. Alone with handheld computer games
D. Cooperatively with other preschoolers
Correct Answer: D. Cooperatively with other preschoolers
Cooperative play is typical of the preschool period. Children engage in an activity where they assume equal roles and responsibilities in order to reach a common goal. When a child plays together with others and has an interest in both the activity and other children involved in playing they are participating in cooperative play.
Option A: When a child engages in a mutual activity but is not working toward a common goal is called associative play and is seen at 3-4 years of age. When a child starts to interact with others during play, there is not a large amount of interaction at this stage. A child might be doing an activity related to the kids around him, but might not actually be interacting with another child.
Option B: When a child plays alongside other children but does not play with them is referred to as parallel play and is seen at 2 years of age. Play is a highly imaginative pursuit that engages the body and mind. Whether toddlers simply repeat an activity or experiment with something new they picked up during parallel play, it’s all part of learning and growing.
Option C: When children play alone with their own toy and are not yet interested in playing with others is known as solitary play. This is seen from birth until 2 years of age.