{"id":68154,"date":"2025-08-14T08:49:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:49:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=68154"},"modified":"2025-09-11T08:44:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T16:44:00","slug":"cooperative-play-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/cooperative-play-activities\/68154","title":{"rendered":"15+ Cooperative Play Activities for Home or Classroom"},"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-activities-kids-playing-soccer.jpg\" alt=\"A young group of kids playing soccer in a field \" class=\"wp-image-68213\" 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>15+ Cooperative Play Activities for Your Home or Classroom<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#767676;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Encourage this important stage of play with these fun and simple activities for indoors and out!<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-543cdfe4b6a6066a8b7c4d0fb513f091\" style=\"color:#033eaa;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><a href=\"#indoor\" title=\"\">Indoor Cooperative Play Activities<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2de599492f212d8576d9f9941c1da857\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><strong><a href=\"#outdoor\" title=\"\">Outdoor Cooperative Play Activities<\/a><\/strong><\/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-0f3784463a4dfd55681c75012ba25391\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong><a href=\"#group-projects\" title=\"\">Group Projects for Cooperative Play<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ae791d67006f94600c507793886a672f\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><a href=\"#tips\" title=\"\">Tips to Encourage Cooperative Play<\/a><\/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<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);line-height:1.5\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/cooperative-play\/68060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Cooperative play<\/a><\/strong> is an important part of early childhood development. It teaches kids how to work together, share ideas, and solve problems as a team, helping them build strong social-emotional skills that support learning and friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-border-color has-midnight-blue-border-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:1px;border-radius:15px;background-color:#dee3ff7a;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1099692437f93cca6a3d619cb227ceb8\"><strong>Cooperative Play Explained<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1502ac68a5eb0ea2d72c4f6a2a6a5735\">\n<li>Cooperative play happens when kids work together toward a shared goal (like building something, playing a game, or acting out a story.) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cooperative play is a more organized and interactive way to play that helps children learn how to collaborate, solve problems, and connect with others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Around age 4 or 5, children start moving from solo or side-by-side play to more social, team-based activities that can naturally develop into cooperative play.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In cooperative play, kids talk things through, make rules, assign roles, and share materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c94ddf16c605351638402951ae551b75\"><strong>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/cooperative-play\/68060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">cooperative play<\/a> and the other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/the-6-stages-of-play\/66402\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">5 stages of play in early childhood<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Here are 15+ fun and easy cooperative play activities that are perfect for home or the classroom\u2014designed to encourage connection, teamwork, and a whole lot of fun.<\/p>\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\">Cooperative Play Ideas for Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Many of these ideas are classic kids&#8217; activities, but they also provide excellent opportunities for cooperative play to erupt naturally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading anchor-link-with-margin\" id=\"indoor\">Indoor Cooperative Play Activities:<\/h3>\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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Puppet Show:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Whether you make your own finger puppets and create a \u201ctheater\u201d from a cardboard box or have a more elaborate setup, it definitely takes teamwork to create and put on a show!<\/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;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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cooperative Board Games:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Look for games where players win or lose together, the game is the opponent, players collaborate toward a common goal, and\/or play requires communication and collaboration. You can find a few <a href=\"https:\/\/www.underdoggames.com\/a\/blog\/cooperative-board-games-for-families-and-friends-to-tackle-together?srsltid=AfmBOopbKb2Pzv5oNTHfNVymSdbEH7MtR3et05p7dgihNGPrInuMFKJw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">cooperative board game ideas here<\/a>. <\/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=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Boardgame-Tournament-Summer-Activity-scaled.png\" alt=\"Fun bored game tournament activity for kids to do in the summer.\" class=\"wp-image-58289\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Boardgame-Tournament-Summer-Activity-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Boardgame-Tournament-Summer-Activity-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Boardgame-Tournament-Summer-Activity-1200x800.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Boardgame-Tournament-Summer-Activity-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Boardgame-Tournament-Summer-Activity-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Boardgame-Tournament-Summer-Activity-2048x1365.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pretend Restaurant or Store:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">These classic pretend games, along with House, School, and others, let kids try out future adult responsibilities and careers while enjoying cooperative play. Provide materials like dress-up clothes, toy food and kitchen utensils, or other vocational toys to encourage this sort of cooperative play for preschoolers.<\/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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Jigsaw Puzzles:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">&nbsp;Putting together a puzzle can definitely be a group endeavor. Assign various sections to different people, and be sure to use a big space where everyone has room to work on their section comfortably.<\/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-activities-kids-working-on-puzzle.jpg\" alt=\"Two kids laying on the tummies on the floor playing with a puzzle. \" class=\"wp-image-68197\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-activities-kids-working-on-puzzle.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-activities-kids-working-on-puzzle-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cooperative-activities-kids-working-on-puzzle-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Blanket Fort:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Here\u2019s another childhood classic. Kids <em>can<\/em> build a fort alone, but it\u2019s a lot more fun when you collaborate. As they plan, gather materials, and then construct, they\u2019ll need to navigate conflicts and solve problems along the way. When they\u2019re done, they can use their fort for more cooperative play!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading anchor-link-with-margin\" id=\"outdoor\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">Outdoor Cooperative Play Activities:<\/h3>\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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>DIY Obstacle Course:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Making a plan, gathering materials, choosing people to work on different sections\u2014these are all collaborative tasks that culminate in an obstacle course kids can be proud of together.<\/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-activities-relay-race-1.jpg\" alt=\"Kids playing in a homemade obstacle course in the yard. \" class=\"wp-image-68203\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-relay-race-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-relay-race-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-relay-race-1-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Build a Playhouse<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Whether kids construct their house from temporary materials like outlining rooms with sticks and making furniture from rocks, or actually gather building materials and piece together something more permanent, this is the kind of group project with a role for everyone who wants to join.<\/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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Tag Variations:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Games with a competitive slant can still be cooperative. Kids must decide on the rules together, then follow them and keep each other honest as they play. <\/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=\"1198\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Kids-Playing-Tag-e1748972755621.png\" alt=\"Kids playing tag in the field together. \" class=\"wp-image-58155\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Kids-Playing-Tag-e1748972755621.png 1198w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Kids-Playing-Tag-e1748972755621-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Kids-Playing-Tag-e1748972755621-768x401.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1198px) 100vw, 1198px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">There are endless tag variations for kids to try, like Freeze Tag, Shadow Tag, Blob Tag, and Sharks &amp; Minnows. Or, encourage kids to collaborate and come up with their own rules! <\/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:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);line-height:1.5\"><strong>TIP:<\/strong> Our free printable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/printables-and-worksheets\/backyard-games-for-kids-free-printables\/60405\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Backyard Games for Kids<\/a> features several tag variations kids can try.<\/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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Relay Races<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">&nbsp;Divide a larger group of kids into smaller teams, then set a goal for each team to complete together. Try the classic relay where one player runs down and back, then tags the next runner. Or, get creative with a pop-the-balloon race, egg-and-spoon race, or pass-the-water race.<\/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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Gardening<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/h4>\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-activities-kids-gardening.jpg\" alt=\"Kids working together in the garden spraying plants with water. \" class=\"wp-image-68205\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-gardening.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-gardening-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-gardening-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\">Give kids child-sized shovels, rakes, and other gardening tools and a patch of bare ground. They can make a \u201cpretend\u201d garden by planting pebbles and then sticking flowers into the ground to simulate a growing garden. Or, make the activity more meaningful by showing them how to plant real seeds and tend an actual garden!<\/p>\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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading anchor-link-with-margin\" id=\"group-projects\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">Small Group Projects for Cooperative Play:<\/h3>\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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Joint Art Project:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Unleash everyone\u2019s creativity with a big collaborative project like a wall mural or mosaic. Let kids lead, generating the design, choosing the materials, assigning jobs, and ultimately creating the finished work of art.<\/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=\"2560\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A group of kids doing crafts together in a classroom. \" class=\"wp-image-68199\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-1200x633.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-1536x810.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-2048x1080.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>STEM Challenge<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">These challenges require kids to work together to solve a problem. For instance, ask them to use aluminum foil to make a boat that floats and also holds 15 pennies. Or, given some newspaper and masking tape, how tall of a tower can they build?&nbsp;<\/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> Check our our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/stem-activities-for-kids\/40979\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">90+ STEM Activities for Kids<\/a> to get more STEM-related projects that inspire cooperative play.<\/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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Collaborative Book<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/h4>\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-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-1.jpg\" alt=\"Kids working together in cooperative play doing a craft at a table. \" class=\"wp-image-68211\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-working-on-project-together-1-768x384.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\">This is a cooperative project that allows kids to lean on their strengths. One child might write the story, another could illustrate it, while a third figures out how to use paper, yarn, and a hole punch to turn it into an actual book.<\/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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cardboard City:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Provide a giant stack of cardboard boxes and some rolls of masking tape, and you\u2019ll be amazed at what a group of kids playing cooperatively can come up with!<\/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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Group Dance Routine<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/h4>\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-activities-kids-dance-routine.jpg\" alt=\"A group of children dancing together in cooperative play. \" class=\"wp-image-68209\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-dance-routine.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-dance-routine-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cooperative-play-activities-kids-dance-routine-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\">Choose a song everyone loves, then work out a group routine. Perform it for friends and family, or even at your next school talent show!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-advice-subheading anchor-link-with-margin has-text-color\" id=\"tips\" style=\"color:#033eaa;font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Tips to Encourage Cooperative Play at Home or in the Classroom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">As children get older, most naturally begin to play cooperatively, given the chance. It\u2019s up to parents and teachers to provide those opportunities, then offer guidance and encouragement as needed. Try these ideas and tips to encourage cooperative play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-background\" style=\"border-radius:15px;background-color:#dfe4ff;margin-bottom:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d06a880f67f7749c6b1dcf8a17d319eb\" style=\"color:#01075f\">1. Provide Materials That Naturally Promote Group Effort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cefbeeef7ae5b532a5fbd7e6d491d515\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Some toys and games are automatically more fun with several players. Cooperative board games, puppet theaters, imaginative play scenarios like dress-up clothes or play kitchens, and relay races are all excellent ways to encourage cooperative play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-background\" style=\"border-radius:15px;background-color:#dfe4ff;margin-bottom:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65c0f8012253157760bf5133d9c32ff8\" style=\"color:#01075f\">2. <strong>Model Cooperative Behavior<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d29483fbf467fb5ad9fb27a3a2e4141d\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Children learn from watching adults and older peers, so set a good example. Use collaborative language and invite children to join you in cooperative activities or games. Show them what it looks like to take turns and listen actively, and model good conflict resolution skills when disagreements pop up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50f07e3976c6d2a4def08babf19b1ff4\"><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-676b4b5d58d252088c3aa1a5352bedd4\" style=\"color:#01075f\">\u201cAshby and Logan, do you want to help me build a blanket fort? I\u2019ll get the pillows and blankets, and you can talk about what it should look like.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;background-color:#fffeed;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2f4fa38104fd645909703c321bf92412\" style=\"color:#01075f\">\u201cLogan, I like your idea to add a space just for reading! Ashby, what do you think should go in that space?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a868770ea0c2d3a0d661e20e9c697e66\" style=\"color:#01075f\">\u201cOkay, you each want to sit in the new reading nook, but it\u2019s not really big enough for both of you. Should we take turns, or try to make it big enough for more people?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-background\" style=\"border-radius:15px;background-color:#dfe4ff;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1f16fc43fd810accddf9de463e2add05\" style=\"color:#01075f\">3. <strong>Give Children Shared Goals or Roles<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0aa3d3620a31033e5dda1b5c72989506\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">When you notice children playing associatively (near each other but without a common goal), nudge them into cooperative play by suggesting ways they can play together. You can also invite onlookers to join in the fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50f07e3976c6d2a4def08babf19b1ff4\"><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e6c06a84cf299547030dabc60fc685e4\" style=\"color:#01075f\">\u201cYou three are doing a terrific job of sharing these LEGOs! What if you worked together to build something, like a town or a big castle?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;background-color:#fffeed;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-253312ade7974f41464b1aef21917375\" style=\"color:#01075f\">&nbsp;\u201cYour restaurant seems to be a hit! Why don\u2019t you ask Jose to come join in and be your next customer?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-da03c55fcfd8b0a723e178c7eb73bb5b\" style=\"color:#01075f\">\u201cIt seems like everyone wants to use the playhouse today. What game could you all play together?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-background\" style=\"border-radius:15px;background-color:#dfe4ff;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82157604e90342ffa67ade0da4eeb581\" style=\"color:#01075f\">4. Praise Cooperation and Kindness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-da3ad16aceaaf99e685dde8bd6e98c66\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Recognize and reward cooperative play behaviors to let kids know they\u2019re on the right track. It means a lot to know that someone saw you give up your turn so someone new could join the game, or that you consoled a fellow player when something went wrong. Praise children often in meaningful ways, and they\u2019ll make an effort to continue those behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50f07e3976c6d2a4def08babf19b1ff4\"><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68c9c399b82277c68f644bd427535ef3\" style=\"color:#01075f\">\u201cYou all are doing an amazing job of building this giant sandcastle together! You\u2019re really listening to each other and coming up with creative ways to incorporate everyone\u2019s ideas!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;background-color:#fffeed;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b6652c969f6c5935c9a0880cac8a33af\" style=\"color:#01075f\">&nbsp;\u201cIt was really kind of you to let Liam join the game, even though you had to change the rules a bit. He really wanted to play and was so happy to join in.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56349c57fe8d1f763acc2c9fa9a9f1db\" style=\"color:#01075f\">\u201cWay to go! That box is really heavy, but you worked together to move it where you wanted it!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aofl-mb-3rem-margin aofl-desktop-margin has-background\" style=\"border-radius:15px;background-color:#dfe4ff;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75dccc31a537615329cf263581f7c732\" style=\"color:#01075f\">5. Navigate Disagreements During Group Play<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6b1ba5974a27392b9fbe8ce59aa0963d\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">Conflict means big emotions for everyone, including the adults monitoring the play. Be sure to approach a conflict calmly, stating what you observe and naming the emotions you see. Invite everyone to share their side, validating different points of view. Then, reframe the problem as a shared goal, and offer simple choices as solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-midnight-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50f07e3976c6d2a4def08babf19b1ff4\"><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7d8d70c93c7c5a36b12fca23486f647b\" style=\"color:#01075f\">\u201cIt looks like you\u2019re having trouble deciding who should go first and you\u2019re both very angry. Everybody wants to get the game started, so what\u2019s a fair way to decide who should go first? You could flip a coin, or play rock-paper-scissors. Which one would you like to try?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"border-radius:35px;background-color:#fffeed;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1e9a8840 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"aofl-no-margin aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b5f8006001878328da67f7a1009cd98e\" style=\"color:#01075f\">\u201cAna, you\u2019re yelling and you look angry, and Jacob looks very sad. It seems like you both want to use the tricycle and can\u2019t decide whose turn it is. One at a time, tell me how you\u2019re feeling, and then we\u2019ll find a way for everyone to have fun during recess.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"aofl-no-padding has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c8a62a8009074c14805c12e80bb7d513\" style=\"color:#01075f;line-height:1.5\">As kids get older, try not to step in and moderate conflicts immediately. Give them a few minutes to work things out, and remember that disagreement can be constructive in the right circumstances. When kids learn to navigate conflict resolutions on their own, they gain important skills they\u2019ll need their entire lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/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: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 15+ fun cooperative play ideas that help kids build teamwork, communication, and social skills at home or in the classroom.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":68213,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[79,14,13,81,131,177],"class_list":["post-68154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-activities","tag-first-grade","tag-kindergarten","tag-preschool","tag-second-grade","tag-toddler","tag-types-of-play"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68154","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=68154"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68154\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70549,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68154\/revisions\/70549"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68213"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}