Loose parts play involves using versatile and dynamic materials that children can manipulate, move, control, and change during play. Items such as sticks, stones, fabric scraps, and wooden blocks offer endless possibilities for creation and innovation, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This type of play supports a child's imagination and creativity, allowing them to construct, deconstruct, and redesign their play environment in countless ways, which is essential for cognitive and physical development.

Dramatic play focuses on your child’s most impressive tool: their imagination. Any type of fantastical activity falls into this category, such as dress-up, pretend house, or make-believing you work at a restaurant. "They're trying out behaviors to mimic what they see in the real world," like holding conversation and cooperating with others, says Dr. Starnes.

Through constructive play, children create something with materials in an organized way (think building with Legos or making a sandcastle). They’re relying on their ideas to navigate the world around them. Constructive play teaches about persistence, planning, creativity, and logical thinking. Kids also get real-world experience with scientific and mathematical concepts, which often fuels their natural curiosity.

Sensory play is a vital type of play that stimulates a child's senses—touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, sight, and hearing—through various activities, enhancing cognitive development and fine motor skills. Cooking, which we do a lot of in our large kitchen at Phoenix House, is a perfect example of sensory play, allowing children to experience different textures, flavors, and aromas, while other forms such as playing with sand, water, or playdough also offer rich sensory experiences. These activities not only captivate children's attention but also encourage exploration and discovery, crucial for brain development and learning processes.

Kids first participate in cooperative play around 4 or 5 years old. It lets them practice skills they’ve gained through other stages of play, such as verbal communication, teamwork, and sharing. They’ll also learn new skills like kindness, empathy, and compromise. Through cooperative play, kids work toward a common goal, whether it’s building a block tower together or playing duck-duck-goose. It’s essential for social and emotional development.

Physical play is an essential component of childhood development, particularly beneficial in fostering motor skills, physical strength, and overall health. Through activities such as climbing, jumping, running, and balancing, children not only enhance their coordination and agility but also gain vital opportunities for risk assessment and overcoming challenges. Moreover, engaging in physical play supports children's energy regulation and offers a natural way to build social skills as they interact and collaborate with peers in various physical challenges.