Child Development: Types of Play

Play is a healthy part of a child's development. The types of play are : dramatic, active, passive, skill mastery, sensory motor, and rough-and-tumble play. They are important because play provides a purpose for the child.

Dramatic play is where the child is involved in make-believe or imaginative situations. This is different from active play because active play is where a child is involved in playing and interacting with others and/or with objects. Both help the child play and interact, but only active play involves other kids.

Passive play is where a child doesn't interact with anyone or anything; they are non-interactive. This differs from skill mastery because the child learns a skill. However, a child can learn a skill while being alone or with other.

Sensory motor utilizes the senses and motor skills. This differs from rough-and-tumble play because rough-and-tumble deals with wrestling and fighting( this is different from an actual fight because both children would be laughing and just playing around. if only one is laughing and the other is crying, then it is a fight and a parent or guardian should take control of the situation). Both kinds of play provide happiness and joy for the child.

In conclusion, all these types of play provide the child with purpose. They also help the child develop in the basic areas of growth. But most of all, they provide joy for the child.