Mildred Parten categorized play in six stages: unoccupied behavior, onlooker behavior, solitary play, parallel play, associative play, and cooperative play (Mraz, Porcelli, & Tyler, 2016).

• Unoccupied behavior: During this kind of play, children are observing anything that interests them. If children are not interested in what they are observing, they will simply occupy themselves by fidgeting or engaging in repetitive behavior, such as spinning in circles (Mraz et al., 2016).

• Onlooker behavior: This behavior is similar to unoccupied behavior, but the children exhibiting this behavior may approach other children playing and ask them about what they are doing, but still will not play with them (Mraz et al., 2016).

• Solitary play: This play usually begins when children are toddlers. When children are exhibiting solitary play, they might be playing near other children, but they choose to play on their own.

• Parallel play: This type of play begins when children are about two or three years old. Children play together side by side without interacting socially. "Parallel play involves playing alone, alongside other children, while also observing what the other children are doing" (Battles, 2019, p. 8).

• Associative play: During this play, children are becoming more interested in playing with other children. Children are getting to experience social interactions and how to get along with other children while engaging in play (Battles, 2019).

• Cooperative play: Cooperative play is considered the most mature form of play and usually takes place within a group of children (Mraz et al., 2016). Children can plan, discuss, and talk about the roles they are going to be with other children.