The Importance Of Associative Play

Associative play is slightly different than parallel and solitary play where they are moving from playing alone to playing in a group. In associative play the child is still engage in separate activities, but begin to interact by switching toys and talking to one another. They begin to play with what they have on their own until they slowly engage with each other. Through associative play it is the best way for children to make friendships. In this play they slowly become more interested in children around them than toys. According to Jona K. Anderson-McNamee “Associative play helps your preschooler learn the do's and don'ts of getting along with others. Associative play teaches the art of sharing, encourages language development, problem-solving skills and cooperation (2010).”This is one of the most important plays because of the development of skills it enhances. It’s an unorganized formal way without the teacher instructing them to play with one other rather than them playing on their time together. This is an effected play because although the child may still act independently you can still the interested of them wanting to engage with the other child. The most common place to find this type of play is in a playground while the children are outside playing games instructed by themselves. Parten shows us that this is a way to show us the beginning of socializing and breaking out of the shyness slowly.