What type of play is exemplified by children taking turns but playing different games?

The correct answer is parallel play, which is characterized by children playing near each other but engaging in separate activities without direct interaction. In this type of play, children may observe one another and share the same space while focusing on their own games, demonstrating a level of awareness of others but not actively collaborating or coordinating their play.

This form of play is common in early childhood development, particularly among toddlers, as they are still developing social skills and learning how to interact with peers. Parallel play lays the groundwork for more sophisticated forms of play, such as associative and cooperative play, where direct interactions and shared activities become more prevalent.

In contrast, cooperative play involves children working together towards a common goal, sharing ideas, and engaging in joint activities. Competitive play emphasizes rivalry, where children play against each other to win. Associative play is when children engage in separate activities but begin to communicate and exchange materials, showing a budding sense of cooperation. While all these types describe forms of social interaction, parallel play is distinct in its emphasis on individual engagement alongside others.