FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What type of play is defined as a child observing others without joining in?

1. Onlooker play

2. Solitary play

3. Associative play

4. Symbolic play

The correct answer is: Onlooker play

Onlooker play is characterized by a child who is actively observing others engage in play but does not interact or participate in the activities themselves. This type of play is an important stage in a child's development, as it allows them to learn social skills and understand the dynamics of group play. By watching their peers, children can gather ideas and gain insights into how to play with others in the future. This observational learning can also help them to feel more confident when they decide to join in later on. In contrast, solitary play involves a child playing alone, with no engagement with others, while associative play is when children play alongside each other and may share resources but do not coordinate their activities. Symbolic play refers to play that involves using objects or actions to represent other things, often seen in imaginative scenarios. Each of these types of play serves a distinct purpose in child development, but onlooker play specifically focuses on the aspect of observing rather than participating.