Maria Montessori said that play is a child’s work. Playing allows children to have new experiences, learn new words, and develop critical skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
Imaginative play is one form of play. Imaginary play activity is an essential milestone in a young child’s development. But what is imaginative play?
When you see a child pretending a cardboard box is a spaceship or a playground slide is a mountain, you’re witnessing prime examples of imaginative play. Imaginative play is one of the most important aspects of a young child’s life. When children engage in pretend play, their brains work to make new connections and solve new problems.
This article will explore imaginative play and how it benefits kids. You will learn why this type of play is essential and get tips for encouraging imaginative play at home or in the classroom.
At New Horizons, our programs use imaginative play to boost children’s imagination, language skills, and problem-solving abilities. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or schedule a tour!
What is Imaginative Play?
People may call imaginative play by other names, including dramatic play or pretend play. Imaginative play involves children using their imaginations to create pretend-play scenarios that may mirror real-life scenarios. Some examples of this may include:
- Playing “house” or “family.”
- Having tea parties with friends or stuffed animals
- Pretending to shop, cook, or fix things
- Pretending to drive a car
Children may also imagine that they are doing something fantastical, such as:
- Fighting dragons or monsters
- Building a castle
- Traveling through space
- Living as an animal
Pretend play ignores reality and relies on a child’s imagination and creativity. While playing pretend, children also use abstract thinking (the ability to think about complex concepts that are not grounded in real objects or situations) and problem-solving.
Children may engage in imaginative play independently or with other children. As many parents may know, they may even invite parents to join in the fun.
Imaginative play can be a lot of fun for everyone involved. However, it is more than just fun. Children learn valuable skills while playing.
When Do Children Begin to Engage in Imaginative Play?
Many children begin to engage in imaginative play around two years of age. Very young children may start by pretending blocks are cars or “feeding” a stuffed animal. Over time, this imaginative play tends to get more complex. By the time a child is three or four, they may be capable of developing very complex imaginative play scenarios.
What are the Benefits of Imaginative Play?
Research shows that children learn best by playing and engaging in hands-on learning. Young children are typically unable to sit still and memorize facts or routines. Fortunately, engaging in pretend play is enough to help children build critical developmental skills.
Language development
Developing pretend play scenarios can help children expand their communication and language skills. Playing pretend opens up a new world of words and phrases, helping children build their vocabulary. Children also become more skilled at expressing their thoughts and ideas to others.
Social skills
Engaging in pretend play with others requires communication, empathy, cooperation, and other critical social skills. Children must communicate their ideas, listen to others’ ideas, and compromise. They also learn to identify roles and create rules and boundaries that keep the play scenario going.
Problem-solving
Dramatic play scenarios can help children to develop more creative problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Engaging in pretend play helps them make valuable connections about the world around them. They may become more innovative and resilient thinkers, allowing them to approach and solve new problems in the future.
Imaginative play is not just fun–it’s fundamental to your child’s development. Rest assured that when your child is engaged in dramatic play, they also learn critical skills that will support their cognitive growth and development.
How to Foster Imaginative Play in the Classroom and at Home
Your child will likely lead the dramatic play in your home or classroom. As a parent or educator, you can support this type of play by simply allowing it to happen. You can also take steps to prioritize pretend play each day. Here’s how to begin fostering creative play.
Create a dramatic play area
Create a space in your home or classroom that can spark the imagination. This could be something large, such as a “store” or “restaurant” play area. It could also be as simple as a few dress-up clothes or play dishes and food. You can also set up an outdoor play area, such as a simple mud kitchen.
Let them lead
Let your child take the lead without judging, guiding, or interfering. Go along with what your child is imagining, even when it doesn’t seem logical. Allowing your child to lead can help them gain confidence and foster creativity.
Give them time
While it can be tempting to fill every minute of your child’s day with structured activities, allowing unstructured time in your day is crucial. Allow your child time each day to simply play. Let them explore and play without guiding or interfering. Join in if they ask you to, but let them lead the play.
Find Early Learning Programs
If you are looking for high-quality early learning programs, explore New Horizons. Our enriching early learning programs foster creativity and nurture development throughout early childhood.
Contact our intake team now to set up a tour or with questions. We look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
