Pretend Play - Encouraging a Child's imagination

Most parents have read about brain research that indicates early learning as a key factor in later success among children. Many caregivers cram their children full of information by taking them to ballet class, karate, and early learning classes. What about Pretend Play and play dates? The aforementioned items can be valuable in early development, but it is important that we leave time for one of the most important developmental learning tools available - free time. It is during down time children engage in imaginative play and it is this type of play that helps kids make sense of what they are learning. Most importantly, it helps children make sense of the world they live in.

For example, when kids interact with a pretend play kitchen and pretend play food they can re-enact what they have seen at home - or perhaps at school - and are solidifying the memory of that experience. As they play, children are recalling details of their day and using new vocabulary they heard in the context of cooking. This imaginative process helps them practice the correct usage of the new words.

Kids also like to have community style costume or dress up play. Go to any day care or preschool and you'll see little cowboys, astronauts, ballerinas and superheroes. Children love to imitate the people and jobs they see in their environment and on television. Pretend play dress up helps encourage a young mind. How many times have you watched a ball game and wanted to be that star quarterback or take the game winning shot? How about going to a concert and idolizing the band? It's the same with children, they like to pretend play about their favorite characters. To make the most of this teaching tool it is best to supply children with toys that foster pretend play. Here are some examples:

• Wood kitchens
• Play food
• Activity Tables

Puppet Theatres and putting on a puppet show is another great way for children to learn through pretend play. Puppet theaters really let the imagination soar and this type of imaginative play helps foster emotional strength. For example, using different hand puppets to re-enact the things they are thinking and feeling is a safe way for children to express the ideas they have about the world around them. They can re-enact their fear, anger, and disappointment and learn how to manage their feeling as they discuss them in their play. Puppets shows are also a great tool for adults to use in teaching ideas and discussing feelings. With puppets you can make it fun so that it is not intimidating and doesn't feel like a lecture. Ultimately, children learn through all their experiences so although curriculum based toys definitely have their place, and structured classes are great ways to learn, a child needs time to just play. It is during these time of imaginary play that children make sense of all the other learning experience they have encountered and really learn about life and all it has to offer -- which is the best lesson of all.

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