During which stage of play do children interact but continue to play their own games?

The correct answer is parallel play, which typically occurs in early childhood, around the ages of 2 to 3 years. During parallel play, children play alongside each other but do not directly interact or coordinate their activities. Instead, they engage in their own individual games while being in close proximity to one another.

This type of play allows children to observe their peers and gradually learn social skills, such as sharing and taking turns, without the pressure of having to collaborate. It serves as an important developmental stage leading toward more interactive forms of play, such as associative and cooperative play, which involve greater levels of engagement and collaboration with others.

In contrast, associative play involves more interaction and communication among children, while cooperative play requires them to work together towards a shared goal. Solitary play, on the other hand, means a child is playing alone and is not engaged with others at all. Understanding these stages of play is crucial for recognizing developmental milestones in childhood.