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The Importance of Pretend Play

The Importance of Pretend Play
Pretend play is a vital component to a child’s development.
According to PsychologyToday.com pretend play (also referred to as dramatic play) helps the cognitive, social, and emotional development of a child.
Importance of pretend play
 
Here are several ways that pretend play impacts a child’s development:
  • increase use of language and vocabulary
  • expressing positive and negative feelings
  • increased self-regulation
  • empathy
  • problem solving
  • communication
  • cognitive flexibility
  • creativity
  • organization
Here are some ways that we’ve inspired pretend play in our homes.
Just create an invitation with the materials and let your child take them and use them in a way they are inspired to. Many times my son or daughter would use those materials in a way that I wasn’t planning or thinking they would. THAT IS OK! That is more beneficial than you telling them how to use the materials!
 
Doc McStuffins pretend play
 
 
pretend play for toddlers

Play Restaurant with Felt Pizzas 

pretend play for toddlers

Take Your Stuffed Animals for a Walk

pretend play

Sort Your Play Food and Play Grocery Store

pretend play

Play Office with an Old Keyboard

pretend play

Make a Paper Bag Neighborhood for Your Characters

pretend play

Grocery Shop with Printable Shopping Lists

pretend play

Open a Letter Store

pretend play

Make a Carnival with Games

What ways have you inspired play in your home? Leave a comment below to inspire us all!