Mildred Parten was a theorist that developed the theory of play. Within this theory there are six "levels." They are:
This diagram helps to explain each level in depth:
- Unoccupied play- This is where the child tends to be looking around and not engaging within activity.
- Onlooker play- The next stage is when the child watches others at play, hence not participating.
- Solitary independent play- During this stage, the child plays with toys that others are not using. They could be playing by themselves or with others.
- Parallel play- Play in which the child is playing next to someone but not with them.
- Associative play- When a child plays with another by sharing toys as well as interacting with them.
- Cooperative play- The final stage of play is when the child is playing with part of a group to accomplish a specific goal.
This diagram helps to explain each level in depth: