What type of play is characteristic of children from ages 3-6?

Children aged 3-6 years are typically engaged in cooperative play, which is a significant aspect of their social and emotional development. During this stage, children start to interact more with their peers, making it essential for them to work together on activities or games that foster collaboration. Cooperative play allows children to take on roles, share ideas, and negotiate, enhancing their social skills and understanding of teamwork.

This type of play also helps children develop important cognitive and communication skills as they learn to articulate their thoughts and listen to their friends. They may engage in imaginative play scenarios, such as pretending to be superheroes or playing house, where they coordinate their actions and build a shared narrative. This development marks a shift from earlier play types where solitary or parallel play was more dominant, indicating a growing ability to form relationships and social bonds with peers.