{"id":68060,"date":"2025-08-14T08:42:25","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:42:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=68060"},"modified":"2025-08-19T14:42:23","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T22:42:23","slug":"cooperative-play","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/cooperative-play\/68060","title":{"rendered":"Cooperative Play Explained: Why It Matters and How to Encourage It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-main-image-kids-building-block.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-68094\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" 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class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-chain  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/%20\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M15.6,7.2H14v1.5h1.6c2,0,3.7,1.7,3.7,3.7s-1.7,3.7-3.7,3.7H14v1.5h1.6c2.8,0,5.2-2.3,5.2-5.2,0-2.9-2.3-5.2-5.2-5.2zM4.7,12.4c0-2,1.7-3.7,3.7-3.7H10V7.2H8.4c-2.9,0-5.2,2.3-5.2,5.2,0,2.9,2.3,5.2,5.2,5.2H10v-1.5H8.4c-2,0-3.7-1.7-3.7-3.7zm4.6.9h5.3v-1.5H9.3v1.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Link<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#0515bd\"><strong>Cooperative Play Explained: Why It Matters and How to Encourage It<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#767676;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Learn how cooperative play supports emotional and social growth in early childhood development, and how parents and teachers can encourage it.<br><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-advice-table-ofcontents has-background\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#e9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#01075f;background-color:#bdd7ff\">Table of Contents\u2013Jump to Each Section<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91dad4669da73018aa41c6e0b141aac5\" style=\"color:#033eaa;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><a href=\"#definition\" title=\"\">What Is Cooperative Play in Early Childhood?<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74645605871df74e05b7b7682c85454b\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><a href=\"#looks-like\" title=\"\">What Does Cooperative Play Look Like?<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3771db2540a88d5f30486c16d60ea79d\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><a href=\"#together-vs-cooperative\" title=\"\">Playing Together vs. Playing Cooperatively<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bdfc663246c7c599dc12eae1cc61c27a\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><a href=\"#benefits\" title=\"\">The Benefits of Cooperative Play for Children<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-eaed8ff1830e6fa770e1def6d5645eac\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><a href=\"#FAQ\" title=\"\">Cooperative Play Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading anchor-link-with-margin has-text-color\" id=\"definition\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong>What Is Cooperative Play in Early Childhood?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">In cooperative play, children actively collaborate in an activity or game, working toward a common goal that\u2019s stated or understood. It\u2019s an important stage in childhood development, where kids progress from individually-focused play to play that requires cooperation and social interaction. <strong>Most children begin to join in cooperative play by age 4, with more consistent participation by age 5<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Cooperative play is an essential part of children&#8217;s development, as it helps kids build social connections, improve communication skills, and encourage teamwork. As kids engage in group activities, they learn how to share ideas, compromise, and appreciate different perspectives\u2014key experiences that support both emotional and cognitive growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading anchor-link-with-margin has-text-color\" id=\"looks-like\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong>W<strong>hat Does Cooperative Play Look Like?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Cooperative play is more organized than earlier forms of play\u2014players work together to define the rules and assign roles, and they share any toys or materials required. The play itself is often creative or imaginative, though it can also involve more structured activities like games and sports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border aofl-advice-image-video\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-kids-playing-board-game.jpg\" alt=\"Children in a circle together playing a game in cooperative play. \" class=\"wp-image-68125\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-kids-playing-board-game.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-kids-playing-board-game-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-kids-playing-board-game-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"line-height:0\">Examples of cooperative play:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63c897eda2137a8188a973f68f7e469c\">\n<li>A group of children playing \u201cHouse\u201d or \u201cRestaurant,\u201d taking turns being the chef, server, and customers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three kids working together to build a tall tower of blocks, with each offering ideas on how to construct it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Half a dozen kids playing a ball game, with rules they establish at the beginning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">To bring cooperative play into your home or classroom, check out these <a href=\"http:\/\/abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/cooperative-play-activities\/68154\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">15+ cooperative play activities <\/a>for young kids, plus get tips for encouraging cooperative play<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-pull-quote-option2 has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;color:#01075f;background-color:#dee3ff7a;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);line-height:1.5\"><strong>Cooperative Play Summary<\/strong>: Cooperative play is a type of play where children work together toward a shared goal, typically beginning around age 4 or 5. It supports emotional, social, and cognitive growth by helping kids learn communication, teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading anchor-link-with-margin has-text-color\" id=\"together-vs-cooperative\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong>Playing Together vs. Playing Cooperatively<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Sociologist Mildred Parten considered cooperative play to be the final stage in her theory of <a href=\"http:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/1933-03543-001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">the 6 Stages of Play<\/a>. The first five stages progress from infants playing by moving their bodies or observing their environment to toddlers and preschoolers playing individually and in group settings. Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/the-6-stages-of-play\/66402\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">the 6 Stages of Play here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Cooperative play often follows associative play<\/strong>, which is when children are still focused on their own goals but talk to other kids while playing, sometimes sharing toys or materials. <strong>The term \u201cplaying together\u201d often encompasses various social play types, including associative and cooperative play.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-color:#2D56BF;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f8c5cbfddeceb610d6733b23908e7e80\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\"><strong>Examples of Associative Play and<\/strong> <strong>Cooperative Play:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-51c0b34d wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-midnight-blue-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-c3fa66c9ba69a2628e28c3887e5b4925\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><strong>Associative Play<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/associative-play-kids-plpaying-with-blocks.jpg\" alt=\"Children exploring tactile learning while playing with wooden blocks.\" class=\"wp-image-66823\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:12px;aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/associative-play-kids-plpaying-with-blocks.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/associative-play-kids-plpaying-with-blocks-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/associative-play-kids-plpaying-with-blocks-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Four children are using finger paints at a table. Each one is creating their own picture. They talk about their creations, and ask each other to share paints or materials. They\u2019re playing together, but each has their own end goal and result. If one child leaves, it won\u2019t affect the overall activity. So while they\u2019re playing together, they\u2019re not playing cooperatively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-midnight-blue-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-aa782c094669268e04ea594e201a3754\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><strong>Cooperative Play<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"941\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cooperative-play-kids-chaing-ball.jpg\" alt=\"Children playing together in a field chasing a ball. \" class=\"wp-image-66827\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px;aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cooperative-play-kids-chaing-ball.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cooperative-play-kids-chaing-ball-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cooperative-play-kids-chaing-ball-768x602.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Four children decide to paint a mural of their town together. They spread out a large piece of paper and decide what they want to paint where. They cooperatively decide who will paint the school, who will paint the park, etc. If one child leaves, the others will have to reassign their role, or make changes to their plan. When these kids finish, they have one common shared project, the result of collaboration. This is true cooperative play.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>The biggest difference between playing together and cooperative play is&#8230;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">&#8230;in cooperative play, kids work together, talking, helping, and engaging with each other, to reach the same goal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading anchor-link-with-margin has-text-color\" id=\"benefits\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">The Benefits of Cooperative Play for Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/a-parents-guide-to-play-based-learning\/8199\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">all types of play are valuable<\/a>, cooperative play is a vital step in early childhood development, as it helps them naturally develop key social emotional skills. It also lays the foundation for learning to work as part of a team, skills every adult uses on a regular basis at work and at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Here are some of the benefits of cooperative play:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Communications Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">In order to play collaboratively, kids must be able to communicate with one another. Verbally, this means speaking clearly with a broad vocabulary that enables you to express your thoughts. (This also applies to children who communicate through sign language.) Children may also need strong reading and writing skills, depending on the game or activity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-communication-kids-talking.jpg\" alt=\"Children sitting and talking in a line in the cool air on a wooden bench. \" class=\"wp-image-68096\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-communication-kids-talking.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-communication-kids-talking-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-communication-kids-talking-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Kids also need good nonverbal communication skills to play cooperatively. They have to learn how to recognize facial expressions and social cues. Collaboration also requires us to listen actively, taking part in a conversational flow. The more kids play cooperatively with their peers, the stronger their language skills become.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Teamwork Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">For most of us, life is all about collaboration. Whether we\u2019re working with a team in our jobs or sharing responsibilities with family or friends at home, teamwork skills are a must. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-Play-teamwork-kids-working-together.jpg\" alt=\"Children working together in a school library doing a craft together. \" class=\"wp-image-68092\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-Play-teamwork-kids-working-together.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-Play-teamwork-kids-working-together-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-Play-teamwork-kids-working-together-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Cooperative play helps children develop these skills, teaching them to take turns and work together to find solutions to problems. Some children naturally emerge as leaders in cooperative play, but all kids can develop leadership skills when they play collaboratively.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emotional Regulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">As adults know, being part of a team can be hard sometimes. You have to learn to compromise, and know when to speak up and when to go with the flow. Sometimes you feel frustrated or angry, but to be a good collaborative player, you have to recognize and share your emotions constructively. These are advanced social emotional skills, but kids develop them naturally as they play cooperatively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-ivory-lace-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;color:#01075f;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);line-height:1.5\"><strong>TIP:<\/strong> Game-based learning is another great way to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/abcmouse\/how-online-games-help-social-emotional-learning\/57047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">boost social emotional learning<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Empathy and Tolerance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">The way we view and treat others says a great deal about our character. Parents and teachers must teach kids to make an effort to understand what others are going through and recognize that there are many different ways of being a human. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-play-empathy-children-hugging.jpg\" alt=\"Two young children hugging each other. \" class=\"wp-image-68119\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-play-empathy-children-hugging.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-play-empathy-children-hugging-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-play-empathy-children-hugging-768x416.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Cooperative play is an excellent way to teach both empathy and tolerance\u2014in order to play peacefully together, kids must be willing to accept different ways of doing things, and care about the feelings of others as well as their own.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Executive Function<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">This refers to \u201clife skills\u201d like time management, impulse control, planning and organization, and working memory. Since cooperative play is more organized than the earlier stages, it requires a higher level of executive functioning. Players have to remember and follow the rules, planning their own actions as they relate to their role in the game. They need to stay focused on the overall group goal, whether that\u2019s running a \u201crestaurant\u201d or trying to score the most goals. All of these take good executive function skills.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color\" style=\"border-color:#01075F;border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conflict Resolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Here\u2019s another truth that all adults know: when people do something together, they\u2019re going to disagree sometimes. In order to continue, you have to find a way to resolve the conflict. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-play-kids-fist-bump-conflict-resolution.jpg\" alt=\"Two kids giving each other a fist bump. \" class=\"wp-image-68121\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-play-kids-fist-bump-conflict-resolution.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-play-kids-fist-bump-conflict-resolution-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-play-kids-fist-bump-conflict-resolution-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Cooperative play is full of arguments, and that\u2019s okay! Kids have to think creatively and empathetically to find solutions so their game or activity can continue. Sometimes they need guidance from adults, but often, children will find their own way to a resolution they can all agree on.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-royal-depths-border-color has-frosted-sky-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\"><strong>Learn About Other Types of Play<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39f3b82d4ee3919dd039aec02bf62281\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/sensory-play\/68242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">What Is Sensory Play? Benefits, Ideas, and Activities for Learning<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/a-parents-guide-to-play-based-learning\/8199\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">A Parent&#8217;s Guide to Play-Based Learning<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-image u-m-hide\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/abc\/prospect-register\/?src_tag=wp:cta:0015\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"924\" height=\"501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Mobile.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89753\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Mobile.png 924w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Mobile-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Mobile-768x416.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 924px) 100vw, 924px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image u-d-hide aofl-mb-3rem-margin \">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/abc\/prospect-register\/?src_tag=wp:cta:0026\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Desktop.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Desktop.png 393w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABCmouse-Learning-Made-Easy-CTA-Desktop-211x300.png 211w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading anchor-link-with-margin has-text-color\" id=\"FAQ\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Cooperative Play Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong>When does cooperative play begin?<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-af2eff426fc7679642efb5f78af7ee85\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">Children generally begin to play cooperatively around age 4 or 5, though this varies from child to child. If you\u2019re concerned about your child\u2019s social development, talk to their teacher or pediatrician.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>What are some examples of cooperative play?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c9da9a72493e3f20c6843dcc5af318d8\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">In cooperative play, children share a defined common goal as well as toys and materials. They communicate actively throughout, and assign specific roles and responsibilities. Examples include:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2d746464f91889e60cdbbb8c06d87d91\">\n<li>A group of children playing \u201cVet Clinic,\u201d taking turns being the vet, the assistant, or the various animals being treated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three kids working together to build a fort, with each offering ideas on how to construct it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Half a dozen kids playing a game of tag on the playground, with rules they establish at the beginning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Why is cooperative play important for kids?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a0141ccd3ed9b4ce05836c15c030db44\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">Cooperative play offers children valuable opportunities to build social and emotional skills that last a lifetime. As they work together toward shared goals, kids learn how to communicate clearly, listen to others, take turns, and resolve conflicts. This type of play fosters empathy, teamwork, and a sense of belonging, helping children feel more confident and connected. Over time, cooperative play supports not just stronger friendships, but also essential skills like problem-solving, patience, and emotional regulation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong>How can I encourage cooperative play at home?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4b2441ebd1864b8e95232993d62a6755\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">It\u2019s easier to encourage cooperative play when children have siblings or neighbors their own age nearby.&nbsp; But kids and adults can engage in cooperative play, too! Invite your child to join you in an activity, and model good cooperative behavior as you play. Initially, it\u2019s best to use activities you already know they enjoy, so they can focus more on learning the new behaviors. As they get older, cooperative play with adults is a great way to introduce new games or activities too.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What\u2019s the difference between cooperative play and parallel play?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-482493c91c3f9d40f55b31d9bd3158d0\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">In parallel play, kids play near each other, usually using the same toys or activities. However, each child is focused on their own place, and kids rarely interact though they may talk occasionally. Example: Two children play in the sandbox, but each is absorbed in their own tasks, one building a structure while the other pretends to plant seeds in the sand to make flowers grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34c6c784349544ec042af408a087a1d3\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">In cooperative play, kids join together to achieve a common goal or purpose, using the same toys or materials and a set of shared rules. Example: Two children play together in a sandbox, building the one big sandcastle. They agree on a plan and tasks each will handle, and work together until their structure is complete.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Can group play help prepare children for kindergarten?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">Group play is one of the very best ways to prepare kids for kindergarten! In fact, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/programs\/betterkidcare\/early-care\/tip-pages\/all\/what-do-children-need-to-know-to-start-school\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">most kindergarten teachers say<\/a> that they\u2019d prefer children to know how to share, take turns, and cooperate than to be able to count to 100 or say their ABCs. Cooperative group play teaches those vital social and emotional skills naturally, effectively, and enjoyably. Parents should include both academic readiness and social emotional learning through activities like group play as they <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/how-to-prepare-your-child-for-kindergarten\/7025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">prepare kids to start kindergarten<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ae64b0b37c05d74ee1411fc87b416181\" style=\"font-size:12px\"><em><strong><em>Legal disclaimer:<\/em><\/strong><em>&nbsp;Any information, materials, or links to third-party resources are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with and do not sponsor\/endorse these third parties and bear no responsibility for the accuracy of content on any external site. All information provided in this article is current as of May 2025.&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dd225191 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<printables-email-registration style=\"width:fit-content;display:flex;margin:auto\" class=\"wp-block-abcmouse-printables-email-registration\"><\/printables-email-registration>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore how cooperative play builds social and emotional skills in young kids, with tips to support this key stage of early development.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":68094,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[79,14,13,131,177],"class_list":["post-68060","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice","tag-first-grade","tag-kindergarten","tag-preschool","tag-toddler","tag-types-of-play"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68060","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68060"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68060\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":68636,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68060\/revisions\/68636"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68094"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68060"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68060"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68060"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}