Understanding the Power of Parallel Play Powered By 1Core
In early childhood classrooms, learning isn’t always loud, structured or cooperative. Sometimes it begins quietly when two children sit beside each other each lost in their own world of blocks, dolls or crayons. This simple moment is known as parallel play and it’s one of the most important early stages of social development.
Posted on:
October 7, 2025
Parallel play occurs when children play next to each other but not with each other. It can begin as early as 18 months and is most common among toddlers between two and three years old. While it might appear that each child is in their own bubble there’s much more happening beneath the surface.
Children are watching, imitating and learning social cues such as how others move, create and respond. They’re beginning to build the foundation for communication, empathy and shared play.
Parallel play is not a lack of interaction. It’s a quiet rehearsal for social connection.
Parallel play supports development in several key areas:
1. Social awareness: Children learn to share space, notice peers and adapt to group settings.
2. Language growth: They hear others speak and begin to pick up new words and expressions.
3. Emotional confidence: Playing independently in the company of others builds self-assurance.
4. Cognitive skills: Observing others sparks curiosity, creativity and imitation which are vital tools for learning.
5. Transition to cooperative play: Parallel play prepares children for more complex social interactions later on.
For educators and caregivers encouraging this stage means giving children the space to explore side by side without pressure to interact before they’re ready.
Psychologist Mildred Parten identified six stages of play that children naturally move through as they grow:
1. Unoccupied play - Random movements or simple exploration usually seen in infants.
2. Solitary play - Playing alone while focusing on personal discovery.
3. Onlooker play - Watching others without joining in.
4. Parallel play - Playing beside others while observing and sometimes imitating them.
5. Associative play - Beginning to share materials or ideas but without a common goal.
6. Cooperative play - Working together toward shared objectives or imaginative scenarios.
Parallel play sits at the heart of this journey bridging the gap between independent and truly social play.
Examples of Parallel Play
• Two toddlers stacking blocks on the same mat each building their own tower.
• Children drawing at the same table occasionally glancing at each other’s artwork.
• A group of preschoolers playing with dolls separately yet mirroring each other’s actions.
• Kids in the sandbox filling their own buckets but watching how others pour and build.
These examples show that even without shared goals children are constantly exchanging information through observation and imitation.
Parallel Play vs Cooperative Play
Aspect | Parallel Play | Cooperative Play |
Social Interaction | Children play beside each other but don’t really interact. | Children play together and share ideas to reach a common goal. |
Focus of Play | Each child is focused on their own toys or activity. | Everyone works on the same activity or project together. |
Communication | There’s little talking; children may watch or copy each other. | Lots of talking, sharing, and planning happen during play. |
Example | Two kids sit side by side building their own block towers. | A group of kids build a castle together and decide who does what. |
Social Skills Learned | Independence, observation, and learning from others. | Teamwork, cooperation, empathy, and problem-solving. |
Level of Interaction | Low - mostly individual play. | High - shared play with lots of cooperation. |
Goal of Play | Personal enjoyment and exploration. | Working together toward a shared idea or outcome. |
How to Encourage Parallel Play
Supporting Early Learning with 1Core
Understanding stages of play helps childcare centers design spaces and schedules that align with how children naturally grow. At 1Core our tools help educators and administrators manage every part of that environment from classroom ratios and activity planning to family communication and progress tracking.
Because just like play learning works best when every part moves together smoothly and side by side.
For more on how 1Core supports early education management visit 1coresolution.com.
1Core Solution is a comprehensive childcare management platform built to support the daily needs of childcare centers and early education providers. With tools for online billing, parent engagement, admissions, attendance, lesson planning, and staff management, 1Core brings your center’s operations into one centralized, easy-to-use system. Designed with both educators and administrators in mind, 1Core helps reduce manual tasks, improve communication, and enhance the experience for families and staff alike. Backed by dependable support and strong data security, 1Core gives you the freedom to focus less on paperwork and more on creating meaningful moments with the children in your care.
Muhila S
Digital Marketer | 1Core Solution
Building bridges between products and audiences through clever, data-powered campaigns. A trend-chaser with a creative heart and a results first mindset.
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