The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development Essay Example
The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development Essay Example

The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (461 words)
  • Published: February 10, 2022
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This article examines the important role of imaginative play in the social and cognitive growth of children. Pretend play entails using imagination and manipulation to create ideas and emotions (Kaufman, 2013). The authors stress that make-believe play is vital for children's development, especially from ages one to seven years.

The authors provide systematic research that demonstrates a connection between pretend games and enhanced language usage in children. This indicates that children who participate in pretend play from ages one to seven are more inclined to enhance their language skills, which persists into later stages of development. As stated by Kaufman (2013), when children employ their imagination during playtime, they strive to express their ideas to others, thereby enhancing their language abilities. Furthermore, pretend play necessitates organizing thoughts, integrating various information, and thinking divergently with the aim of generating comprehensible content.

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In summary, pretend play is a vital aspect of a child's development as it helps them connect different scenarios and regulate their emotions and cognition (Kaufman, 2013). Engaging in make-believe games early on enhances cognitive flexibility, creativity, and future performance. The article also highlights the connection between imaginative play and the success of creative individuals like Nobel Prize winners who were active participants in such games during their childhood. Moreover, make-believe games contribute to promoting self-regulation in children.

According to Kaufman (2013), engaging in pretend games can reduce aggression in children as they grow older. Pretend play allows children to assume different roles and learn important social skills like problem-solving and effective communication. The author suggests that caregivers should create an environment that promotes imaginative play because of its numerous benefits. Activities such as explaining natural features, socia

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phenomena, or storytelling can encourage pretend play. Kaufman (2013) also mentions that imaginative play fosters deep thinking and curiosity in children, leading some teachers to incorporate it into lessons for subjects like mathematics and languages during preschool. Additionally, children whose parents actively support pretend play tend to be more prepared for school when they start their education.

The teaching curriculum incorporates imaginative scenarios and guides children in planning and acting them, which is supported by Vygotsky's theory, Tools of the mind. Teachers also involve children in activities with specific rules, which is enhanced by early pretend play that promotes self-control and flexibility in children (Kaufman, 2013).

To summarize, the article has clearly shown the significance of imaginative plays in children and has imposed a responsibility on caregivers to encourage pretend games for future benefits in children. The authors have also expressed their strong desire to include pretend play in the education system, giving it the same importance as other traditional teaching approaches.

Reference

  1. Kaufman, S. (2013). The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development. Scientific American Blog Network. Retrieved 31 August 2016, from http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/the-need-for-pretend-play-in-child-development/
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