Pretend play

Is your child engaging it in it? If not, let’s get them going!

What is it?

Pretend play a form of symbolic play where children use objects, actions or ideas to represent other objects, actions, or ideas using their imaginations to assign roles to inanimate objects or people. It lets children take on different roles.

When?

Pretend play and first words emerge around the same time, around 11/ 12 months. Pretend play is so important for use of language.

WHY?

Pretend play and language both involve the same underlying ability to represent things symbolically. When your child engages in pretend play they are practicing using symbols. Often times, when your child shows difficulty with language, they may have difficulty engaging in pretend play.

Benefits of pretend play:

·      Pretend play gives the opportunity to expose your child to new vocabulary words.

·      When you engage in pretend play with your child, you are setting foundational skills for playing with others

·      When children take on a role during pretend play, they are learning empathy and taking others’ perspective

·      You are strengthening your child’s imagination!

6 Tips to Encourage Pretend Play

• Get face-to-face Let your child see your face, gestures and actions.   

• Observe your child's interests Make sure you reserve time to WATCH your child and see where their attention takes them. Your child will be motivated to play with you if you follow his lead vs always taking the front seat.

• Reduce environmental distractions Only put a few toys out at once. Too many toys can be distracting and overwhelming.

• Teach some pretend play sequences If this is new, you might need to teach your child some play ideas. I love using the kitchen area for pretend play. Feed the dolls some hot tea, but blow on it first and carefully pour it- then let your child try! Another idea is using a dump truck scoop up some blocks then dump them in a basket pretending they are so you might need to start off the play. Pick up a toy your child likes and do one simple action yourself to give your child the idea. For example, you could demonstrate some self-pretend (see above) by picking up a toy cup and pretend to drink, saying "mmm…yummy juice". Then put the cup in front of your child and wait to see if he imitates you. If he doesn't, that toy may not interest your child. Try to observe your child's interests to determine if something else might be more interesting to him.

• Imitate your child's pretend actions Observe what your child does with his toys, and then imitate his actions. This will likely motivate your child to do more pretend actions! It also can boost their confidence when they see you are paying attention and playing on their level too. If your child keeps feeding the doll some tea, repeat that action, then add in a cookie to teach a new action.

• Repeat Repeat Repeat. Children love repetition and learn from it, so they will likely enjoy practicing any new pretend actions over and over again.

Want some ideas of toys to use when engaging in pretend play? Check out a list right here with TONS of ideas. Recommended age is 12 months to start with these toys but they can be used (and do in my house) for many years after!

Pretend play scenes with trucks

-Scoop up the dirt and “deliver” it at the next site

-Crash the trucks

-Feed the trucks lunch

-Build a little city with the tools and trucks

-Take kids to school or to the park while riding on equipment

-Clean the trucks with some water and soap

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