Which play stage involves children playing together and making up rules?

The play stage characterized by children playing together and making up rules is cooperative play. In this stage, children engage in shared activities, collaborate on projects, and establish common goals. They often create their own scenarios, set rules, and understand the importance of working as a group. This form of play is vital for social development as it encourages negotiation, turn-taking, and the development of social skills.

Cooperative play builds on the foundations laid by earlier stages such as associative play, where children may play together but do not necessarily coordinate their actions or create shared rules. In contrast, cooperative play involves a deeper level of interaction and joint efforts, fostering not only social competence but also conflict resolution skills as children navigate their differences. This stage is essential for developing a sense of community and collaboration among peers.