What is a key characteristic of play for school-age children (7-11 years)?

Competitive play with peers is a key characteristic of play for school-age children, typically between the ages of 7 to 11 years. During this developmental stage, children increasingly engage in games and activities that involve competition, which helps them develop social skills, teamwork, and a sense of fair play.

This competitive nature allows children to test their skills against their peers, learn to cope with winning and losing, and understand the importance of rules and collaboration in play. Engaging in competitive play also fosters cognitive skills such as strategy, reasoning, and decision-making.

As children develop, their interactions become more complex, and competition in play often serves as a means for them to assert their individuality and abilities in a social context. This aspect of play is vital not just for enjoyment, but also for their emotional and social growth.