What is Parallel Play and Why It Matters In Early Childhood Education

Parallel play is a crucial stage in child development, offering young children opportunities to engage in meaningful side-by-side activities without direct interaction. While it may seem like children playing near each other without much communication are disconnected, this type of play lays the groundwork for developing essential social skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional growth. For early childhood educators and caregivers, understanding the dynamics of parallel play can help create supportive environments that nurture these developmental milestones.

Parallel Play Definition and Its Place in the Stages of Play Development

Parallel play, a term coined by early childhood theorist Mildred Parten, refers to a type of play where children engage in similar activities alongside one another without direct interaction or collaboration. This stage typically emerges between one and three years of age as part of the broader stages of play. Mildred Parten identified the following six stages of play:

1. Unoccupied Play (Birth – 3 Months of Age): This type of play can be characterized by the random movements we see infants making in the first few months of life. 
2. Solitary Play (3 Months of Age – 2 Years of Age): Solitary play is when a child plays alone, focusing on their own activities and interests.
3. Onlooker Play (2 Years of Age): At this stage of play, young children often continue to engage in solitary play while simultaneously observing and learning from the play of others.
4. Parallel Play (2 – 3 Years of Age): Parallel play consists of children playing side-by-side without interacting directly.
5. Associative Play (3 – 4 Years of Age): At this stage children begin to interact, sharing materials or engaging in loosely coordinated activities.
6. Cooperative Play (4+ Years of Age): This last stage is when children begin to collaborate to achieve shared goals, such as building a structure or playing a group game.

Parallel play acts as a bridge between solitary and cooperative play, offering young children a chance to observe, imitate, and learn from their playmates as they develop their play skills.

Types of Parallel Play in Child Development

Parallel play can take on various forms depending on the child’s interests, age, and developmental stage. Examples include:

• Constructive Parallel Play: Building structures with blocks or LEGO pieces side-by-side with other children.
• Creative Parallel Play: Drawing, painting, or crafting independently while sitting near others.
• Imaginative Parallel Play: Engaging in pretend play, such as dressing up as characters or playing with dolls, without combining storylines with others.
• Physical Parallel Play: Playing with separate toys like balls or scooters in the same space without direct interaction.

Benefits of Parallel Play

Each type of parallel play allows young children to explore their environment, practice fine motor skills, and develop a sense of independence while benefiting from the proximity of others. While it may appear that children are not socializing, engaging in parallel play activities is an important stepping stone to interactive play, laying the groundwork for the development of social, literacy, cognitive, physical and emotional skills. 

1. Social Skills Development

Although children do not directly interact during parallel play, they learn aspects of social play through navigating shared spaces, observing social cues, and adjusting their social behavior and responses accordingly. This foundational experience builds confidence and prepares little ones for future social interactions.

2. Language Development

Listening to the speech and communication styles of peers during side-by-side play helps children progress their vocabulary and understand the nuances of language. For example, a child hearing another describe their actions may begin to adopt similar phrases in their own play.

3. Cognitive Growth

Parallel play encourages observation and imitation, which are critical for cognitive development. By watching peers, children learn new strategies for problem-solving, experiment with different approaches, and develop creativity.

4. Motor Skills Enhancement

Activities like building blocks or drawing during parallel play refine both fine and gross motor skills. Practicing these tasks near peers often motivates children to challenge themselves and improve their abilities.

5. Emotional Regulation

Playing side-by-side with others helps children manage emotions such as frustration, excitement, or curiosity. They learn to self-soothe and focus on their activities without needing constant adult intervention, fostering emotional independence.

Supporting Parallel Play in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood educators and childcare professionals play a pivotal role in fostering environments that encourage parallel play. Here are strategies to support this developmental stage:

1. Provide Diverse Materials

Offer a variety of age-appropriate materials that cater to different interests and skills, such as a block tower, art supplies, and sensory toys. These materials should be accessible and organized to encourage independent exploration.

2. Create Inviting Spaces

Design play areas within the classroom with designated areas for side-by-side play. Open floor plans, low tables, and cozy nooks provide children with opportunities to engage in parallel activities comfortably.

3. Encourage Observation

Model behaviours and demonstrate activities to inspire children to mimic and adapt what they see. This approach can be particularly effective for children who are hesitant to engage in play near their peers.

4. Celebrate Individuality

Recognize that every child develops at their own pace. Some children may spend more time in the parallel play stage before transitioning to associative or cooperative play. Providing patience and support is essential.

5. Facilitate Gradual Interaction

While respecting the boundaries and independence of parallel play, gently encourage interactions by introducing shared materials or collaborative challenges when children appear ready. For example, placing one larger container of building blocks between two children can subtly encourage sharing.

How Parallel Play Prepares Children for Cooperative Play

Parallel play is not an isolated stage but a stepping stone toward more complex social interactions and group play. As children grow comfortable with proximity and observation, they naturally progress to associative play, where sharing materials and ideas becomes common. Eventually, these skills culminate in cooperative play, where children work together during playtime, solving problems and building meaningful relationships.

By supporting parallel play, educators and childcare providers lay the foundation for these advanced social skills, ensuring that children are well-equipped for future group activities and learning environments.

Conclusion

Understanding what parallel play is and its role in early childhood development is essential for early childhood educators and childcare professionals. This type of play may seem simple, but its impact on motor skills, social interactions, and emotional growth is profound. By fostering environments that encourage side-by-side play and recognizing its importance, you provide young children with the tools they need to navigate the broader world of social and cognitive development.

Incorporating parallel play into your curriculum not only supports individual growth but also enriches the collective experience of early childhood education. Embrace the stages of play, and watch as young children build the foundation for a lifetime of learning and connection.