Pretend play more than just playing “house” or imagining you are flying a spaceship; for kids, it is actually a brain workout. Pretend play it is critical for cognitive development, social-emotional skills, and fostering creativity–and it’s a lot of fun.
What Is Pretend Play?
Also known as imaginative play, pretend play is when children create a unique story that usually includes toys or other items, and sometimes friends or siblings. This story unfolds with twists and turns, all according to the child’s inspiration and invention.
Although we tend to think toddlers and young children are the only ones who need pretend play, children of all ages benefit from it! Further, children of all ages should be encouraged to participate in imaginative play, even if they seem to have outgrown it.
What Makes Pretend Play Special?
What’s so important about pretend play? Here are just a few benefits to letting the imagination run playtime:
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Cognitive development: Growing the imagination grows a child’s brain. It engages problem-solving, symbolic thinking, and
language development. -
Social skills: As children act out their play physically and verbally, their communication skills are growing. Vital skills like cooperation, empathy, negotiation, and kindness are all being developed.
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Emotional intelligence: Expressing their own emotions and understanding the emotions of others increases a child’s emotional intelligence. This will help them better navigate the emotions of their peers and develop empathy.
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Creativity: Pretend play unleashes creativity, where anything is possible in the mind of the child. This primes children for formal education and being introduced to many new concepts and subjects.
Finally, children who engage in pretend play early and often are better equipped to handle academic and social challenges, putting them ahead of their peers.
How To Encourage Pretend Play
If you’re ready to encourage pretend play, here are a few tips to set up your child for imaginative success:
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Set technology boundaries: The ultimate killer to pretend play is phone, television, or tablet time. Who would rather create their own ideas when dazzling stories are spoonfed one swipe at a time? Set boundaries for technology to allow several hours of non-screen time. Children need time and space to be bored, which unleashes creative play
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Provide open-ended toys: Toys with built-in lights and sounds are fun to buy but hamper creativity. Open-ended toys like blocks, pretend food and dishes, and dress-up clothes can be used whichever way the child chooses. Additionally, children can use all sorts of “recycled” materials, like empty yogurt containers or toilet paper rolls, string, or rubber bands to further imaginative play.
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Don’t give too many suggestions: Although your child might need help getting started, don’t offer too many suggestions to their creative play. If you step into problem-solve for them, they will become dependent on you to keep the creative ball rolling.
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Encourage outdoor play: If possible, encourage your child to play creatively outside. Playing outside opens up a new world of possibilities–children can climb, run, construct, and collect nature items. Plus they get fresh air, vitamin D, and you get a little peace and quiet.
Pretend Play at Intrinsic Scholars
At Intrinsic Scholars Academy, we know the importance of imaginative play. Each classroom is stocked with age-appropriate open-ended toys that children love to play with. Each classroom has scheduled time for free play, so children can grow their imaginations every day. Book a tour to see what Intrinsic Scholars can offer your family.