Therefore, using one's imagination is a critical cognitive skill that is used throughout life, and it is important to encourage the imagination in childhood. But what is the connection between pretend play and language?
Pretend play is also known as "symbolic play" because it involves the use of symbols. When we use symbols, we use something to stand for something else. In the case of pretend play, children may use one object to stand for another, such as pretending a spoon is a hairbrush, or a tablecloth is a cape. This type of symbolic thought is also needed for language, as our words are symbols.
Our words stand for our thoughts and ideas. Therefore, pretend play and language both involve the same underlying ability to represent things symbolically Weitzman and Greenberg, It's no wonder children start to engage in pretend play around the same time their first words emerge between 12 to 18 months.
Furthermore, children who have language difficulties sometimes also struggle with pretend play. There are many reasons why parents and caregivers should consider encouraging their child's pretend play skills:. Children with developmental delays may progress through these stages at a slower rate. Playing the "Hanen" way means getting down to your child's level and playing like a child yourself. By following the simple tips below, you will be stimulating your child's pretending skills and language, and the two of you are sure to have fun in the process!
By getting in touch with your own "inner child" and using your imagination, you will discover a new way to connect with your child. When you follow your child's lead, you will learn more about your child and his play interests.
Your child will be very motivated to play with you in this way and feel very connected to you. And while it may look to others like you two are just messing around with trucks on the floor, you are really helping your child think symbolically and develop critical thinking skills that he will use throughout his life.
Children watch what we do and learn skills from our non-verbal cues. And while parents have control over most of the family dynamic, pretend play is one area where they should take a backseat. Housman says. In turn, this feeds their curiosity and stretches their mind to promote an interest in exploration and further learning.
For starters, parents may wonder if acting out plots of TV shows and movies mean they're getting too much screen time and aren't developing their own imaginations. The use of weapons like toy guns and swords is another area of parental concern, but their appearance in play isn't troubling in and of itself.
Brown says. There are a few actual worrisome signs to watch out for. Lee, Psy. If children keep coming back to play they find worrisome, "Parents can inquire with minimal attention about where kids are learning about these type of themes to ensure safety and appropriate monitoring," Dr. Lee says. First of all, know you're not alone. She finds it helpful for parents to schedule and block out five or ten minutes to really focus on pretending.
Your child is free to engage in pretend play without you, but this will let them know they'll get it from you at some point. Parents can also outsource it to someone else. If parents have the luxury of using a babysitter, that might translate into some extra playtime for your child.
You can also borrow CDs from your local library or search online for different styles of music. Draw and scribble with crayons and paper and let your toddler draw from his imagination.
Visit and explore favourite or new places in your home, like the saucepan drawer or container cupboard. Set up a special play space in your home. This can be as simple as draping a cloth over two chairs or cutting an opening into the side of a large cardboard box. Add some dress-up clothes or a pile of blocks to encourage your toddler to come up with stories and games. Look up! Describe the different things you see in the sky — the moon, stars and clouds are fascinating to your toddler.
Make a treasure box for your toddler, full of natural objects for your toddler to touch, feel and use. You could include objects like seed pods or coral washed up on the beach. Try messy play using sand, mud, clay, playdough or paints. Just make sure these materials are non-toxic, because your toddler's fingers are likely to end up in her mouth at some stage.
Set up water play.
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