Today’s world has been hijacked by technology, and it’s not uncommon to see toddlers being pushed around in strollers or shopping trollies, pensively hanging onto their tablet. Whilst iPads and the like provide some respite for busy parents it’s important not to neglect the benefits associated with the world of imaginary play.
Children discover so much from the hectic world around them, and are acutely aware of their senses. They are curious by nature – they love to reach out and touch things, to smell things, to look at things, to hear new or loud sounds, and to taste random things (including some things that really shouldn’t go anywhere near your mouth)! Kids learn from their experience, from what their senses tell them. They are fascinated by what’s going on around them and enjoy re-enacting scenarios they have been part of.
Soft Toys and Imaginative Play
That’s where soft toys tend to come in, it’s common for a child to pretend to be a teacher or parent. They line up their soft toys in a row and tell them they should wash their hands before eating a snack, or explain to them why it’s important to learn the alphabet. They teach their soft toys how to count to ten and resolve pretend conflict between Hugs the bear and LilyRose the pink unicorn, reiterating what they have learnt from their own experiences – that it’s important to be kind to your friends. Soft cuddly toys by Gund UK are perfect for imaginary play, they are super soft and extremely huggable, encouraging children of all ages to interact with them (or simply give them a cuddle)!
Childcare and Imaginative Play
In early childhood development, child care and imaginative play go hand in hand, shaping a child’s growth and well-being in crucial ways. It’s like a dynamic duo, where child care provides a supportive environment, and imaginative play sparks creativity.
Child care, whether at home or in a daycare setting, offers kids a safe space to explore, learn, and interact with others. It’s all about creating an environment where they can thrive and feel secure while their parents are away. And in this nurturing setting, imaginative play takes center stage.
Imagine a group of kids at a center that offers child care in Frederick, MD, each with their own ideas and dreams. They’re building castles out of blocks, playing dress-up as superheroes, or having a tea party with stuffed animals. This imaginative play isn’t just fun; it’s essential for their development.
Caregivers and educators play a crucial role in fostering imaginative play. They provide the tools and encouragement needed for kids to let their imaginations run wild. Whether it’s setting up a play kitchen or encouraging storytelling during circle time, caregivers help spark creativity in every child.
Through imaginative play, kids learn valuable skills that set them up for success later in life. They learn to problem-solve, communicate with others, and navigate social situations-all while having a blast. And it’s not just about playing; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a love for learning.
So, next time you see a group of kids lost in their imaginations at daycare, know that it’s more than just playtime-it’s a crucial part of their development. Child care and imaginative play work together to shape the next generation, one adventure at a time.
The Benefits of Imaginative Play
Role-playing and acting out scenarios they have been involved in or find interesting can help children to better understand the confusing world we live in. When sad events happen, it can often be overwhelming for a child to process the information and deal with the heady emotions involved.
Divorce, illness, poverty, death, natural disasters, arguments, the list of events and issues that can trigger an emotional response in children is endless. Even situations we as adults feel are small and manageable (such as not being able to reach a balloon that’s floated up to the ceiling or not being able to find our favourite book) can prove to be a huge deal for a child.
Imaginative play also allows children to get to grips with making decisions and navigating social situations. It helps them to learn the art of communication, to practise their speech and gain confidence when speaking to others. There are also practical skills to be learnt via role-play. Want to help your child to learn to put on their own shoes or competently brush their teeth? Then perhaps you can show them, then suggest he or she shows teddy or their favourite soft toy how it’s done? After all we bet ted would love to have nice, clean teeth too? Ok, we know soft toys don’t tend to have teeth, but use your imagination – if your little one can do it, we’re sure you can too!
Make Time and Space for Imaginative Play
There should always be time for imaginary play, set aside time to encourage your child to immerse themselves in their own world. Use props to stimulate play (we’ve already touched upon the advantages of using soft toys to enhance roleplay). You can also look around the home for inspiration – your dining room table could be draped with a sheet and become the perfect den. The cardboard box that the new washing machine just arrived in would make a great spaceship/ play house/ castle (use your imagination – your child will)! You don’t have to go out and spend a fortune on theatrical sets and fancy costumes. You will be surprised how quickly an old waistcoat can be transformed into a sheriff’s outfit– complete with a shiny star fashioned from tinfoil! Don’t limit their imagination to indoors – the garden is a fabulous arena for imaginary play too. To that end, metal lawn edging by CORE EDGE (or the like) can be used to create a moat, and there are plenty of other exciting things to do in the garden – from building a den to using pieces of wood or stones to create a giant “board game”. You don’t even need decent weather, when it’s raining, they can become sailors or fishermen, or even aliens stomping all over their sodden planet with their big clumpy (wellington boot-clad) feet!
Above all let your child enjoy being a child, let them revel in the frivolity of play and enjoy being in their own little world, after all when they grow up, they will have to deal with real life – and that’s not always a walk in the park is it?