07/16/2021
We have designed this space specifically for children to explore and thrive within the world of pretend play. They can pretend to be a grocery clerk, a doctor, a chef, a musician, a pirate, and whatever else they wish to be. Weβve done this because we believe in the importance of pretend play and value the multitude of lessons children learn through pretend play without even realizing theyβre learning.
Pretending is important in child development. Through pretend play:
β’ Children learn about themselves and the world. Dramatic play experiences are some of the first ways children learn about their likes and dislikes, their interests, and their abilities. They experiment with role playing and work to make sense out of what theyβve observed.
β’ Children work out confusing, scary, or new life issues. Have you ever witnessed children pretending to visit the doctor? One child dutifully holds the mock stethoscope as the others line up for a check-up. More often than not someone gets βshotsβ. This is a childβs way of exploring an experience that is common and sometimes confusing or scary.
β’ Through these role plays, children become more comfortable and prepared for life events in a safe way. Children often use pretend play to work out more personal challenging life events too, whether it is coping with an illness in the family, the absence of a parent or divorce, or a house fire.
β’ Children develop important complex social and higher order thinking skills. Pretend play is much more than simple play activities; it requires advanced thinking strategies, communication, and social skills.
β’ Through pretend play, children learn to do things like negotiate, consider othersβ perspectives, transfer knowledge from one situation to another, delay gratification, balance their own ideas with others, develop a plan and act on it, explore symbolism, express and listen to thoughts and ideas, assign tasks and roles, and synthesize different information and ideas.
β’ Children cultivate social and emotional intelligence. How we interact with others is key to our lifelong success and happiness.