Tag: imaginative play

Imaginative play can inspire young minds

Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

Anything is possible with a little imagination. The power of pretending can help your child be or do just about anything.  From ruling their very own kingdom to walking on the moon or even racing in the Daytona 500. Imaginative play is an integral part of a child’s overall development. As parents, we should always encourage imaginative play. Whether it’s as simple as playing superheroes with their friends on a quest to save the world or scientists traveling back in time to save the dinosaurs. Your child is limited only by his or her imagination.

The benefits of imaginative play

Imaginative or pretend play can help a child’s brain develop skills they will use in everyday life. This can include the development of decision-making skills, reasoning skills, and problem-solving skills. Pretend play can introduce children to new experiences in a fun and non-threatening way.  It can teach them how to deal with a variety of different situations. It can also help them tap into their inner creativity, which can stay with them thought life.  They are basically training their brains to think more creatively. Some of the most creative people in the world were big into imaginative play when they were children.

Improved language and communication skills, as well as motor skills, are additional benefits of pretend play. Just listen to your child interact during make-believe playtime. You’ll be surprised as to their language skills and so much more. Watch them build an airplane out of some old scraps of wood in the backyard and you’ll be amazed at their dexterity.

Most importantly, imaginative play is integral to the development of important social skills. When taking on a specific role during pretend play with friends, they learn empathy, how to cooperate with others and how to share. Imaginative play also helps them to develop confidence and self-esteem. All very important qualities in their journey through life. 

Encouraging imaginative play 

You can help encourage your child’s imagination by scheduling playtime into each and every day. Children’s schedules are usually as packed as most adults. Some even more so. Between team sports, dance classes, pre-school and more, there’s often little time left for good, old-fashioned play. We understand that structured activities and of course a quality education is important, but so is playing. It can be a very valuable learning experience as well.

Help your child think out of the box by providing them with tools they need to get their creative juices flowing. From sheets to use as superhero capes to old clothes for dress up or a pair of binoculars for their pretend African safari exploration. Something as simple as a cardboard box can turn into anything from a castle to a pirate ship. A ruler can become a magic wand that transports your child to another time or place.

Children are limited only to their imagination. You can help nurture it and help their imagination thrive. Plan playdates with their friends. Help them build their own pretend playsets. A mini play kitchen for the budding chef or a hospital for the aspiring doctor. You can join in on the pre-tend play fun as well. Be a co-pilot when your child takes off on his or her next big pretend adventure. Imagination is the door to your child’s future. Help them open it.

At Building Blocks Learning Center, we provide children with the tools they need to excel in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. From infant to pre-school programs, pre-k, and childcare, we strive to inspire them to explore, discover and grow their individual talents. Click to learn more about Building Blocks Learning Center.