Delays in children's development are leading many early years settings to review their resources and adapt continuous provision to meet the needs of a wider ability range. Open-ended resources that support children's holistic development and act as a catalyst for social engagement are high on the list. Blocks are the ‘perfect example’, explains early years specialist and founder of The Early Learning Lab, Alice Sharp. ‘They're a staple resource that support each stage of collaboration in children's play.’
The six stages of play – unoccupied, solitary, onlooker, parallel, associative and co-operative play – were first identified by American sociologist and researcher Mildred Parten Newhall in 1932. Her ‘theory of play’ framework continues to be a foundation for understanding child development and social interaction.
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