Trusted by over 100,000+ Parents

Goally

h-cart
Shop Goally

What is the Play Skills Hierarchy?

Home>>Neurodiversopedia>>P Terms

Summary

summary

A play skills hierarchy shows how kids learn to play. It begins with playing alone, then watching others, playing next to friends, sharing toys, and finally making up games together. Knowing these levels helps grown-ups teach kids with special needs how to play better, make friends, and learn important life skills.

Table of Contents

table-of-contents

Frequently Asked Question

donut

Why is the play skills hierarchy important for kids with special needs?

The hierarchy is important because it helps parents, therapists, and teachers identify a child’s current play level and support their growth in social and communication skills through play activities.

How can I help my child progress through the play skills hierarchy?

You can help by observing your child’s play, providing appropriate toys and activities, encouraging interaction, and praising their progress as they move through the different levels of play.

Can the play skills hierarchy be used for older children or adults?

Yes, the hierarchy can be adapted for older children or adults with developmental delays to help them learn and practice important social and communication skills through play activities.

image-banner

Scientific Definition

scientist

Play skills hierarchy is a way to understand how kids learn to play. It starts with simple actions and gets more complex. First, kids play alone with toys, like shaking a rattle. This is called “unoccupied play.” Next, they watch others play, learning from them. This is “onlooker play.” Then, they play next to others but not with them, which is called “parallel play.” Kids start to share toys and play together as they grow, like building a tower. This is “associative play.” Finally, kids create games with rules and work together. This is “cooperative play.” Play skills help kids learn social skills, problem-solving, and language. For kids with special needs, knowing each level of play is important. This allows parents, teachers, and therapists to support kids as they learn. Teaching play skills can improve kids’ communication and make it easier for them to make friends. When working on play skills, start at the child’s level and help them grow from there.

Video Explanation

video-explanation

Real World Example of Play Skills Hierarchy

Meet Susie, a curious and imaginative child who loves to play. Let’s see how the concept of the play skills hierarchy unfolds in her story:

  • Functional play: At a young age, Susie discovers her fascination with building blocks. She spends hours stacking them, knocking them down, and experimenting with different shapes and sizes.
  • Constructive play: As Susie grows older, her love for construction expands. She starts using the blocks to build elaborate structures, figuring out how to balance them and create unique designs.
  • Pretend play: Susie’s imagination blossoms, and her blocks become not just structures but also characters in her imaginative worlds. She creates stories and acts them out, giving voices to her block friends and embarking on exciting adventures.
  • Social play: Susie invites her friends over for a playdate. Together, they engage in cooperative play, building intricate block cities, sharing ideas, and taking turns to contribute to their collective creation.
  • Games with rules: As Susie enters school, she begins playing organized games during recess. She learns the rules of hopscotch, tag, and other games, following instructions, and enjoying the shared experience with her peers.

Susie’s journey showcases how play skills evolve over time, supporting her cognitive, social, and emotional development. Goally, a tablet with educational apps, supports the play skills hierarchy by providing fun activities and games that enhance cognitive abilities, social interactions, and imaginative play.

How Does Play Skills Hierarchy Work?

Play skills hierarchy refers to a framework that describes the progressive development of play skills in children. It highlights the sequential acquisition of various play abilities, building upon each other as children grow and develop. Here’s a concise overview:

  • Functional play: Children learn to manipulate objects and engage in simple repetitive actions.
  • Constructive play: They start using objects to build or create something, developing problem-solving skills.
  • Pretend play: Imagination comes into play as children engage in make-believe scenarios and take on different roles.
  • Social play: They interact with others, learning to share, take turns, and cooperate in group play.
  • Games with rules: Children learn to follow and understand structured rules in organized games.

Understanding the play skills hierarchy helps parents, educators, and caregivers provide appropriate support and stimulation to facilitate a child’s development.

 

 

This post was originally published on March 31, 2023. It was updated on June 23, 2023.

image-banner