Education,

Pretend Play Ideas for Kids

Aug 14, 2021 | Education | 0 Comments | 202

Pretend play for Kids is an essential way to practice social situations, adult roles and even play out fears and anxiety. It’s important to provide a safe space for kids to spontaneously explore these fantasies. Whether it’s dressing up or pretending to be the doctor, dramatic play helps your child develop emotionally and cognitively. Early imaginative encourages creative thinking, and gives children an opportunity to create situations, ideas, and assign new roles to ordinary objects. 

If you have the privilege of being a part of your child’s  imaginary play, don’t ask “Why?”.  Just like how professionals do improv comedy, all you say is “Yes, and?” and go along with their lead! 

So we list out 5 pretend play ideas to spark toddlers, to open the door of possibilities to them!  

1. Cooking Set

“Kitchen-kitchen” is a popular game with kids, and something you may have seen them doing often. Imitating the adults they see in the kitchen, kids have great fun assuming responsibility and cooking up imaginary dishes! We love the craft ideas Artsy Craftsy Mom has when it comes to supplementing your child’s imaginary play with pretend materials! 

     2.  Castle Fantasy Play Wooden Blocks

Try out Shumee’s wooden blocks, made of eco-friendly and non-toxic materials! This open-ended toy is a lovely way for preschoolers to engage in pretend play. Open the doors to princesses and dragons and adventures with these castle and fantasy character blocks. Apart from problem solving while figuring out how to build a castle with the blocks, this is also a great fine motor skill activity as kids move around the smaller blocks! 

     3. Cartons 

Instead of throwing out old cartons, keep them and lo and behold!  – the most inexpensive toy your child will ever play with! If you leave kids alone with cartons, it’s quite likely that you will find them playing happily in no time. They will get sucked into imaginary play within their own heads, and have a great deal of fun doing it! But if they’re in want of ideas, check out Playtivities’’ list of 20 ideas! 

     4.  Miniature World 

From Fantastic Fun And Learning comes this brilliant idea to create a miniature world in a bin or a tub. Using pebbles, beans, water, and small figurines, kids will have a blast creating their own tiny little world! Slightly older kids will enjoy acting out different scenes, and toddlers will have the delight of engaging in sensory play with all the materials used in the bin! 

    5. Laundry Basket Sailing 

We love this idea from No Time For Flashcards! Find a laundry basket, or literally anything that your child can sit in – be it a carton or even a suitcase! Throw in a fun craft activity for the kid as they decorate their sail with recycled materials like a used paper bag, and make for the sea! Go along for the ride with the young captain of the ship.

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