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Let’s Pretend: Encouraging Kids’ Imagination

Let’s Pretend: Encouraging Kids’ Imagination. Karen Lynn Poff, C.F.C.S. Senior Extension Agent, Family and Human Development Virginia Cooperative Extension. What is Pretend Play?. Imitative role play Make-believe with objects Make-believe with actions and situations Interaction

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Let’s Pretend: Encouraging Kids’ Imagination

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  1. Let’s Pretend: Encouraging Kids’ Imagination Karen Lynn Poff, C.F.C.S. Senior Extension Agent, Family and Human Development Virginia Cooperative Extension

  2. What is Pretend Play? • Imitative role play • Make-believe with objects • Make-believe with actions and situations • Interaction • Verbal communication • Persistence

  3. Benefits of Pretend Play • Social Skills • Language Skills • Emotional Development • Self-Esteem • Sensitivity • Creativity • Problem-Solving • Cognitive Development

  4. Pretend Play~Twos • Copy familiar routines • Repeat the action over and over • Use more actions than words • Are very serious about play

  5. Pretend Play~Threes • Begin to plan for pretending • Give more importance to props/costumes • Use more language in play • Begin to pretend with peers for short periods • Prefer familiar roles • Begin to use feelings and personalities

  6. Pretend Play~Fours and Fives • Begin to be very creative in play • Use elaborate props and costumes • Pretend together in groups • Enjoy adventure themes • Create more sophisticated plots • Can usually distinguish between “real” & “pretend”

  7. The Caregiver’s Role • Provide a place for pretend play • Provide props and costumes • Introduce a play theme through a story • Ask questions to facilitate or extend play

  8. The Caregiver’s Role • Assist in problem-solving, if needed • Support both boys and girls in exploring non-traditional roles • Encourage involvement of children with special needs • Allow plenty of time for play (at least 30 minutes at a time)

  9. Techniques for Promoting Pretend Play • Comment on what the child is doing • Imitate the child’s actions • Reinforce the child’s symbolic play • Make indirect suggestions • Make direct suggestions • Model symbolic-play behaviors

  10. Ideas for Managing Superhero Play • Help children recognize humane characteristics of superheroes • Discuss real heroes and heroines • Limit the place/time for superhero play

  11. Ideas for Managing Superhero Play • Explore related concepts • Help children develop goals for superheroes • Make it clear that aggression is not OK • Support children who want to stop/escape

  12. Ideas to Encourage Pretend Play

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