Child plays alone based on own interests. This is encouraged at all ages, but the amount of time spent playing alone should decrease as children get older.
Passive Onlooker
Child is interested in other children's play, but does not join in with the others
Often includes observation and asking questions
Plays alongside another child
Child will play while sitting with another child, but the two are not interacting or participating in the same type of play or playing with the same item. This is separate from playing alone because the children are still observing each other and may talk while playing in their separate ways.
Plays in a group with similar toys
Children play in the same area with the same toys, but are not working together with shared rules and goals
Example: playing with blocks on the same carpet mat while talking about interacting, but building towers independently
Plays with a group with goals and roles
Children play with same items while interacting, sharing rules and goals of play, and taking turns/solving problems together.