FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What type of play is characterized by minimal interaction and focuses on individual activities next to one another?

1. Parallel play

2. Associative play

3. Cooperative play

4. Onlooker play

The correct answer is: Parallel play

Parallel play is characterized by a developmental stage where children engage in individual activities alongside one another without significant interaction. In this type of play, children may use the same materials or play in the same space, but each child is primarily focused on their activity. This form of play is often seen in toddlers and preschoolers, as they learn to explore their environment while beginning to develop social skills. As children engage in parallel play, they may observe one another, but their activities remain distinct and independent. This is an essential stage in child development because it allows children to build comfort in the presence of peers while fostering their creativity and independence. Through parallel play, they also begin to understand the concept of shared space and can later transition to more interactive forms of play, such as associative or cooperative play, as their social skills develop.