Final answer:
Parallel play refers to children playing alongside each other without significant interaction, characteristic of the developmental stage between solitary and interactive cooperative play for six to ten-year-olds. It underscores their growing social skills, which include sharing and cooperation, though jealousy can sometimes be observed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parallel play, also known as adjacent play or social coaction, occurs typically among children in the age group of six to ten years. This developmental stage is characterized by children playing side by side without significant interaction, though they may be engaging in similar activities. It serves as a transition from solitary play to more interactive, cooperative play where sharing and cooperation become more prevalent. Children at this age may also start to enjoy mixed-gender play, participating in team sports like baseball, or joining formal groups like scouts. While they are developing social skills such as cooperation, jealousy can sometimes be seen towards peers or siblings.
The concept of parallel play underscores the fact that children during this developmental phase are equally capable of competitiveness and cooperation. It reflects the notions of collective behavior and the experience of conviviality. Through parallel play, children are exposed to opportunities and incentives for cooperative small-group interaction and are usually within levels of sensory stimulation suitable for their development, which is neither too low nor too high for their natural habitat. However, it's a noninstitutionalized activity where children come together voluntarily without the constraints of formalized structure, which can be prevalent in events scheduled regularly.