How is cooperative play defined?

Cooperative play is characterized by children engaging in coordinated activities together, which emphasizes collaboration and interaction. This type of play often involves children working toward a common goal, sharing resources, or taking turns in games. It presents opportunities for developing social skills, such as communication and teamwork, as children navigate roles and responsibilities within the play.

In contrast, solitary play involves children playing alone and not interacting with others, while parallel play features children playing alongside each other but without direct interaction. Observational play entails watching peers without participating, lacking the engagement present in cooperative play. Thus, the defining aspect of cooperative play is the active participation and collaboration among children, making it a crucial stage in child social development.