Play and social development
Between 2 to 4 years there is a significant decline in solitary play. The most popular group size for play is 2 and it stays that way until the age of 4¼ to 5 when the range increases to 3 to 5 children in a group.
Culture may affect play due to the emphasis, time allowed and importance placed upon it. Parents, again, have a role in ensuring their children are exposed to peer groups, teaching them how to negotiate play relationships, as well as showing the value they place upon play.
In some families there may not be many toys, but children will still be learning about relationships through helping relatives in household tasks where they practice skills such as washing up, preparing food and looking after younger siblings.
Select the buttons below to see some of the key developments in play at different ages.
- imitates domestic activity
- little comprehension of danger
- simple make-believe play
- starts to pretend-play e.g. a brick is chocolate cake
- reliant on carers presence for play
- doesn't want to share toys or adult attention
2 years of age
- more complex make-believe play with greater imagination
- toys such as trains or dolls are enjoyed
- starting to share toys
- more independent in play
3 years of age
- may quarrel with playmates
- make-believe play becomes dramatic and starts to be associated with more complex emotions e.g. bravery
- construction based play develops
- understands turn-taking
- seeks playmates and will be responsive to their emotions
- may start to appreciate collective ideas with peers e.g. mischief
4 years of age
- play is more tidy
- imaginative and fantasy play is more developed
- construction play becomes more complex e.g. advanced den making
- chooses own friends and will follow rules of play or games
5 years of age
