What type of play is typical for preschool-aged children?

Preschool-aged children typically engage in associative play, which is characterized by more interaction among peers compared to earlier forms of play. During associative play, children begin to play together and share materials, but they are still focused on their own individual activities and may not have a shared goal. This stage of play allows children to develop social skills, such as cooperation, negotiation, and communication, as they interact with one another during play.

At this age, they become more aware of others and start to take others' feelings into account, which enhances their emotional and social development. Associative play lays the groundwork for later forms of play, like cooperative play, where a more organized and goal-oriented approach emerges as children grow older.