It is easy to underestimate the value of pretend play. If you have a child with nay developmental delays, the focus is often on talking and cognitive skills. However, working towards pretend play is so important. In the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), play forms the basis of all activities. Pretend play comes in to the program as each child progresses through the ESDM. Let’s look at why pretend play is so important….
This form of play, also known as imaginative play or make-believe play, is a type of play where children use their imaginations to create scenarios and act them out. This kind of play is not only fun but also incredibly important for a child’s development. Let’s explore how pretend play develops in children and the many benefits it offers.
What is it?
Pretend play is when children use their imagination to create stories and scenarios. They might pretend to be a superhero, a doctor, a chef, or even an animal. They use toys, props, and sometimes nothing at all to create their make-believe world. For example, a child might use a block as a phone or pretend a stick is a magic wand.
How It Develops
This play develops in stages as children grow and their thinking becomes more complex. Here’s a look at how it typically progresses:
Infancy (0-1 year)
In the first year of life, pretend play isn’t quite developed. Babies are more focused on exploring the world through their senses—seeing, touching, tasting, and hearing. However, they do engage in simple forms of play like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake, which lay the foundation for later pretend play.
Toddlerhood (1-3 years)
Around the age of one, children start to engage in simple pretend play. They might pretend to talk on a toy phone or feed a doll. This is the beginning of symbolic play, where one thing stands for another. By age two or three, their pretend play becomes more complex. They start to create short sequences of actions, like pretending to cook a meal, eat it, and then wash the dishes.
Preschool Age (3-5 years)
During the preschool years, pretend play becomes even more elaborate. Children create entire stories and scenarios, often involving multiple steps and characters. They might set up a pretend store, school, or hospital and take on various roles like the teacher, doctor, or cashier. They also start to play with others, taking turns and collaborating to build their imaginary worlds.
School Age (5+ years)
As children grow older, their pretend play becomes more sophisticated and rule-based. They might create complex games with detailed storylines and rules. They also start to use more structured toys and games, like board games or role-playing video games, to support their imaginative play.
Benefits of Pretend Play
Pretend play offers numerous benefits for a child’s development. Here are some key advantages:
1. Language Skills
Pretend play helps children develop their language skills. When they create stories and act out roles, they practice using new words and sentences. They also learn to communicate with others, ask questions, and express their ideas clearly.
2. Social Skills
Playing with others in pretend scenarios teaches children important social skills. They learn to take turns, share, negotiate roles, and cooperate. Pretend play also helps them understand different perspectives and develop empathy by imagining how others feel.
3. Cognitive Skills
This type of play boosts cognitive development by encouraging problem-solving, planning, and creativity. Children think critically about how to create their stories, solve problems that arise in their scenarios, and use their imagination to explore new ideas.
4. Emotional Regulation
Pretend play allows children to explore and express their emotions in a safe environment. They can act out different feelings and scenarios, which helps them understand and manage their own emotions. For example, a child might pretend to be angry and then find ways to calm down during play. Emotional regulation is a crucial skill.
5. Physical Development
Physical development is also supported through pretend play. Activities like dressing up, building forts, or acting out physical scenarios (like being a firefighter) help children develop their fine and gross motor skills. They practice coordination, balance, and physical strength in fun and engaging ways.
Encouraging Pretend Play
Parents and caregivers can encourage pretend play by providing a supportive environment and materials. Here are some tips:
1. Provide Props and Toys
Offer a variety of toys and props that can be used in pretend play. These don’t have to be expensive or fancy—simple items like blocks, dolls, kitchen sets, and dress-up clothes can spark a child’s imagination. Everyday household items like pots, pans, and old clothes can also be great props.
2. Create a Play Space
Set up a dedicated play space where children can let their imaginations run wild. This could be a corner of a room with a small table and chairs, or an area with soft cushions and blankets for building forts.
3. Join in the Play
Engage in this play with your child. Follow their lead and join in their stories and scenarios. This not only strengthens your bond but also encourages them to expand their imaginative play.
4. Encourage Storytelling
Encourage children to tell stories and describe their pretend scenarios. Ask open-ended questions like, “What happens next?” or “Why is your character feeling that way?” This helps them think more deeply about their play and enhances their language skills.
5. Be Supportive
Allow children the freedom to explore their imagination without too many rules or restrictions. Support their ideas and creativity, and provide positive reinforcement for their efforts.
Conclusion
Pretend play is a vital part of a child’s development, offering numerous benefits that support language, social, cognitive, emotional, and physical growth. By understanding the stages of pretend play and providing a supportive environment, parents and caregivers can help children develop these important skills. So, encourage your little ones to dive into their imaginary worlds and enjoy the many adventures that come with pretend play!
Meet Oliver
Oliver is 4 years old and he has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He started in our ESDM program at the age of 18 months. Oliver had very limited play skills and they were highly repetitive. He was mainly interested in trains and only pushed them back and forth in front of himself. As Ollie moved moved through his ESDM program, he began to play with a variety of toys. He used toys in a functional way and was interested in new toys. His parents were delighted when he joined his cousins when they came over to play. The preschool teachers reported that Oliver joined other children as they pretended to be firemen and doctors. Ollie still loves his trains but prefers pretend play when other children are around.
We’re here to support you
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Our clinics are not just a space for therapy – it’s a place where children can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
By combining innovative therapy techniques with a stimulating and supportive environment, we’re proud to offer a holistic approach to paediatric therapy and early intervention that addresses the unique needs of each child we support.
Reach out for support
If you’re concerned about your child’s pretend or want to learn more about how we build rich, genuine pretend play in our ESDM program, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to help.
Call our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics on (02) 80657837 or email. You can book a free 30 minute phone call with us to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey
