Different Types of Play

Play is a crucial aspect of early childhood development, providing children with the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in a variety of ways. At our school, we recognise the importance of different types of play and incorporate them into our curriculum to support the diverse needs and interests of our students. Here, we focus on three specific types of play: Parallel Play, Schema Play, and Risky Play. 

Parallel Play 

Parallel play is a form of play in which children play alongside each other without directly interacting. This type of play is common in younger children and is an important step in their social development. Through parallel play, children observe and learn from their peers, gradually developing the skills needed for more interactive forms of play. It helps children: 

• Develop social skills by observing others. 
• Learn to share space and resources. 
• Build confidence in their own play activities. 
• Schema Play 

Schema play involves repeated patterns of behaviour through which children explore and express developing ideas and thoughts. These patterns, known as schemas, are fundamental to children's learning and cognitive development. Examples of schema play include: 

• Transporting: Moving objects from one place to another
• Rotation: Turning objects around in circles or rotating their own bodies
• Enclosing: Creating boundaries with objects, such as building fences or drawing circles
• Connecting: Joining items together, like linking train tracks or building with blocks. 

Recognising and supporting schema play allows educators to tailor learning experiences that align with children’s natural interests and developmental stages. 

Risky Play 

Risky play involves activities that allow children to experience a sense of thrill and challenge. This type of play is essential for developing risk assessment skills, resilience, and independence. Examples of risky play include: 

• Climbing trees or playground equipment
• Balancing on beams or logs
• Exploring natural environments, such as our forest school
• Engaging in rough-and-tumble play. 

By carefully supervising and facilitating risky play, we provide children with opportunities to push their boundaries in a safe and supportive environment. This helps them build confidence, problem-solving skills, and physical coordination. 

At our school, we understand that each type of play contributes uniquely to a child's development. By incorporating parallel play, schema play, and risky play into our daily activities, we ensure a well-rounded and enriching educational experience that promotes growth in all areas of development.