Early Childhood Education (ECE) NOCTI Practice Exam

What type of play is exhibited when a child mimics another child's actions, like bouncing a ball?

1. Parallel play

2. Social play

3. Cooperative play

4. Independent play

The correct answer is: Social play

The correct answer is social play. This type of play involves children interacting with one another, often by mimicking each other’s actions, which is crucial for their social development. When a child mimics another's actions, such as bouncing a ball, it demonstrates an awareness of peers and an engagement with their activities. This interaction not only facilitates learning from one another but also helps children develop social skills, such as taking turns, understanding social cues, and working alongside their peers. Other forms of play differ in their focus. Parallel play occurs when children play alongside each other but do not directly interact or influence one another’s play. Cooperative play involves children working together towards a common goal, often requiring collaboration, which is different from merely mimicking actions. Independent play is when a child plays alone without interacting with others, which does not facilitate the same social engagement observed in mimicking. Therefore, social play best captures the essence of children engaging and responding to one another’s actions.