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Child's Play: The Importance Of Pretending
By Jill Brennan
Creative play is crucial to every child to help foster a healthy imagination.
However, the term "creative play" may be a bit misleading. Usually, when
"creativity" is mentioned, the first thing we think of is arts and crafts. But
creative play is much more than that. Role playing games, or "Playing Pretend"
also falls under the Creative Play banner.
What Are the Benefits of Role Playing With Your Child?
- Playing with your child allows you to gain insight into how your child thinks
and feels. It's difficult for us adults to understand the toddler world. How can
we guide a child effectively when we can't see things from their perspective?
When we truly understand how they think, then our parenting can become more
personal and powerful.
- Pretending gives children opportunities for mental growth. Children can
experiment and explore new ideas and new ways of thinking without pressure, and
without the possible failures that accompany "the real world".
- Pretending builds problem-solving skills. While role playing, they are put
into situations that require them to make choices and decisions.
- Role playing definitely fosters their imagination.
Here are 3 educational game ideas you can do in your home to foster creative
play.
1. PROP BOXES:
You could put together a medical prop box. A white shirt/coat for the doctor,
plastic medical toys, old clipboard with recycled paper, empty small bottles for
make-believe medicine, and used scarves or towels as bandages and blankets.
Maybe even some washable markers to "create" wounds. Kids will have lots of fun
making up injuries and illnesses then figuring out how to remedy it.
You could also have a restaurant box. Put in some paper plates, paper money,
plastic (or blunt baby) cutlery, and aprons. Help the children choose what goes
into the menu and then they can practice ordering, serving, and eating. This is
a great way to learn about table manners and how to behave when eating out.
2. DRESS UP:
Great way to recycle some of that stuff in the closet such as hats, coats,
scarves, dresses, shirts, shoes and accessories. Children love to experiment
with different looks and pretend to be someone else.
3. PLAYING "HOUSE":
Don't you wish your children knew what you have to do everyday? Even better,
would you like to know what your children think you do everyday? Well, here is
your chance. If you work in the office, then set up a mini workstation, as
similar to yours as possible. If you are a stay-at-home-mom running around all
day, then the stage is already set as your home is your office. Discuss the
things you encounter and explain some of your responsibilities. Then have them
play you (and maybe you can play them).
You and your child can come up with many more ideas for creative play than just
the five mentioned. If there is a certain event about which you would like to
tell your child (such as Mommy and Daddy's upcoming split, stranger danger, the
new baby, the passing of a pet, etc.), why not use this method? You may learn
something you didn't know through your children's self expression, plus you
involve them in the problem solving. Above all, your child will treasure the
time you spend with him or her.
About the Author
Get all the information you need to help you discover toys that will enhance your child's learning through play: www.educationaltoysworld.com Think Educational toy child
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| Some other articles by Jill Brennan | |
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