Children often use parallel play as a way to
A-Develop their social skills
B-Enter a new play group
C-Learn cooperation with others
D-learn organized games
A- Develop their social skills
A - Develop their social skills
The correct answer is A- Develop their social skills.
Parallel play refers to the behavior commonly observed in young children where they play alongside each other but do not actively interact or engage in cooperative play. During parallel play, children may imitate what other children are doing or play with similar toys but do not have shared goals or collaborate in their play.
Parallel play is a normal part of children's development, usually seen between the ages of 2 and 3. It allows children to observe and learn from each other while also building their independence and exploring their own interests. Although they are not directly interacting, parallel play provides opportunities for children to watch, interpret, learn, and begin to understand social cues and norms. By being in close proximity to other children, they learn how to take turns, share resources, and respect boundaries.
To arrive at the answer, it is important to understand the concept of parallel play and its significance in child development. If you were unfamiliar with this term, you could have approached the answer by eliminating the other options:
- B- Enter a new play group: Parallel play does not involve actively seeking out or joining a new play group. It is a self-directed form of play where children focus on their own activities.
- C- Learn cooperation with others: While parallel play does provide children with opportunities to observe and indirectly learn about cooperation, the focus is primarily on developing individual social skills rather than collaboration with others.
- D- Learn organized games: Parallel play is more about individual exploration and less about structured or organized games. Children engage in solitary activities alongside others rather than participating in formal games or rule-based play.
By process of elimination, we arrive at the correct answer, which is A- Develop their social skills.