We all have fond memories of childhood — pretending to be someone or something else while playing with friends. Play was free, relaxed and enjoyable, yet we were acquiring valuable skills during those pretend games.
Research shows that young children who regularly engage in pretend play often perform better across several learning areas, including cognitive development, communication, negotiation, problem-solving and creative thinking — all valuable skills for adult life.
So, how does pretend play help children learn?
Children’s imaginations are wonderfully flexible, and pretend play is where that magic comes to life. Through pretend play, children are not “just playing”; they are learning in powerful and meaningful ways.
Construction toys in sand set up for pretend play at Out & About, Maroochydore Early Learning Centre
What really happens during pretend play?
1. Children learn about themselves and their world.
As they create imaginative games, children explore what they can and can’t do, what they enjoy, and how they fit into the world around them.
2. Children work through confusing or scary experiences.
Children often act out situations they’ve encountered in real life. This helps them process events that may have felt overwhelming or unclear. By replaying scenarios, they gain a sense of control, reduce fear and build confidence. The unknown becomes known.
3. Children develop social and language skills.
When children create games together, they imagine characters, assign roles, negotiate ideas and build storylines. They practise listening, speaking and collaborating. Often, they’ll even create props to bring their ideas to life. Every step involves rich learning.
When this play continues over several days, it becomes even more complex. Children build on previous ideas, use deeper levels of thinking and strengthen concentration and persistence. They learn to follow through on thoughts and work cooperatively to extend the story.
4. Children strengthen social and intellectual competence.
Whether playing alone or with friends, children learn to recognise social cues, respect others’ feelings, take turns and expand on ideas. These are essential life skills.
5. Children make abstract ideas real.
Pretend play allows children to blend what they know with new concepts. It gives them repeated opportunities to make sense of the world by turning abstract ideas into tangible, understandable forms.
Various outdoor pretend play elements at Out & About, Maroochydore Early Learning Centre
Far from being “just play”, imagination is serious learning in action
In early childhood settings, such as Out & About Care & Education, we provide dress-up clothing and accessories, kitchen and home corner play, creative work with many different materials (indoors and outdoors), and plenty of loose, open-ended items for children to experiment with or combine in creative ways.
It is not uncommon for a whole world to be developed and lived in during a day in care. It is a very busy place — and we can fit an awful lot into a day!
We offer many opportunities for this kind of pretend and creative play so children can become adept and flexible in their thinking processes, and practise the ability to gracefully self-manage the challenges they face each day. This is fabulous preparation for real life as they grow and learn.
You can help your child practise creative thinking at home, too.
Do you ever put on a mad hat, run around the garden being a horse, or do something a little bit crazy from time to time with your child? Perhaps you could take a cardboard box and turn it into a car, or a castle to live in?
Get back in touch with your inner child and enjoy some pretend play. You may be surprised at how much fun you have!
Water play is a great way for children to blend pretend play with sensory experiences.
By Pam Maclean M. Ed.
Pam Maclean is the operator of Out & About Care & Education, bringing more than 40 years’ experience in early childhood education. Holding a Master of Education, Pam has led award-winning centres and is recognised nationally for her expertise in play space design, staff training and Kindergarten teaching.
Out & About Care & Education Centres
Maroochydore: 2 Newspaper Place / 07 5413 8099 /
Maroochydore: 30 Dalton Drive / 07 5479 1411 /
Mooloolah Valley: 6 Mooloolah Rd / 07 5356 9323 /
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