Watching Is Playing!
The Magic of Different Play Styles at Story Bears Mixed-Age Sessions
Picture this: you’re at a Story Bears mixed-age session.
Some children are roaring like bears, others are singing at the top of their lungs… and then there’s your child. Sitting quietly. Watching. Taking it all in.
You might wonder:
“Are they shy?”
“Should I nudge them to join in?”
“Are they missing out?”
Take a deep breath — because here’s the big reassurance:
👉 Watching is a real and valuable form of play.
Let’s explore the different types of play you’ll see at Story Bears and why every single one counts (even the quiet ones).
Why Mixed-Age Play Is So Special
Story Bears sessions bring together children of different ages, stages, and personalities — just like real life. This mix creates a wonderfully rich play environment where children learn not only from adults, but from each other.
And because children are wonderfully unique, they’ll all engage in play a little differently. That’s not just okay — it’s exactly how it should be.
The Different Types of Play You’ll See at Story Bears
🐻 Onlooker Play: The Power of Watching
Onlooker play happens when a child chooses to observe rather than jump straight in. They’re not disengaged — they’re busy learning.
At Story Bears, onlooker play might look like:
Sitting with a cuddly toy and watching the story unfold
Listening intently to songs and actions
Smiling, copying quietly, or whispering questions to a grown-up
Staying close to you while soaking it all up
✨ What’s really happening?
Your child is learning the routine, building confidence, absorbing language, and figuring out how everything works — all before they decide whether (or when!) to join in.
This is especially common (and healthy) in mixed-age sessions where there’s lots to see and process.
🧸 Parallel Play: Together, But Not Together Yet
Parallel play is when children play side by side, doing similar things without directly interacting.
You might notice:
Two children doing the same activity side by side such as rolling playdough
Sitting next to another child during storytime
Copying movements from across the circle
This is a brilliant stepping stone toward more social play — and a very normal stage, particularly for younger children.
🎵 Associative Play: Gentle Connections
Associative play is where children begin to interact a little, without needing structure or rules.
At Story Bears, this could be:
Passing a toy car back and forth
Talking about the characters in the story
Joining in for favourite songs, then dipping back out
This is where social confidence starts to grow in a low-pressure way.
🌟 Cooperative Play: Playing Together
This is the type of play many parents expect — children actively playing with each other.
In Story Bears sessions, cooperative play might look like:
Acting out the story with puppets in a small group
Taking turns speaking or singing
Shared imaginative play inspired by the session
It’s wonderful to see — but it’s just one type of play, not the gold standard.
Why Some Children Choose to Watch First
Children choose onlooker play for lots of perfectly valid reasons:
Everything is new
They’re younger than others in the group
They’re naturally thoughtful and observant
They’re processing sounds, sights, and routines
They feel safest learning before joining in
This isn’t hesitation — it’s self-regulation and confidence-building in action.
Many children who start by watching will join in later… often when you least expect it (and usually when you’re looking the other way 👀).
How Story Bears Supports Every Child
Story Bears sessions are designed to:
Welcome children exactly as they are
Never force participation
Celebrate quiet engagement just as much as loud enthusiasm
Offer predictable routines that build confidence week by week
There’s no pressure to perform, join in, or “keep up.” Children are trusted to find their own way.
A Little Reassurance for Parents 💛
If your child spends a session watching rather than joining in, they are not missing out.
They are:
✔ Learning
✔ Listening
✔ Building confidence
✔ Developing social understanding
And most importantly — they are playing in a way that feels right for them.
Final Thought: All Play Is Good Play
At Story Bears, we believe there’s no “right” way to play. Quiet play counts. Watching counts. Taking your time counts.
Because when children feel safe, respected, and unpressured, something magical happens — they grow.
And that’s the heart of Story Bears 🧸✨