During preschool years, children transition from parallel play to which type of play?

During the preschool years, children begin to develop social skills and interactions that allow them to move from parallel play to associative play. Associative play involves children engaging with one another while still pursuing their own activities, sharing materials, and showing an interest in each other's play. This form of play is significant because it marks an important stage in children's social development, where they start to form connections and engage in more interactive experiences with their peers.

In contrast, within parallel play, children play alongside each other without much interaction or collaboration. By transitioning into associative play, children start to learn about cooperation, negotiation, and the dynamics of social relationships, which are crucial for their development. This transition lays the groundwork for moving into cooperative play later on, where children work together towards shared goals and activities.