MALAYSIA – In this era of digital devices, it seems that children participate less in pretend games and instead watch digital content instead.
These include sing-along videos, animations and playing online games.
However, pretend play is very important and irreplaceable in children’s development. Children learn important skills when they re-enact what they see in real life because it helps them process the events that happened and the emotions they felt.
Forming an important part of childhood, pretend play also activates young children’s imaginations as they act out common scenarios such as cooking, cleaning the house, taking care of pets or children and going grocery shopping.
A research published in the Early Childhood Research Quarterly last year found that social pretend play fosters preschoolers’ peer relationships and social-cognitive, social-emotional and social-behavioral skills.
Meanwhile, a 2012 article in Psychology Today cites two studies (in 2006 and 2009) that suggest how pretend play is a precursor to children’s capacity for self-regulation; it also helps them in reducing aggressiveness, delayed gratification, politeness and empathy.
While there are commercial toys that encourage children to engage in pretend play, household items such as cardboard boxes and child-sized knives, spoons and forks also help.
MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM
Nothing is as fun and exciting for kids as imagining an icy and colorful dessert like the perfect ice cream sundae. With a variety of bright colors and ‘toppings’, this Play-Doh Rainbow Ice Cream Playset (for children aged three and above) allows them to nurture their inner creativity and create a variety of interesting ice creams.
They can pretend to run an ice cream stand or host their own ice cream party with friends. Either way, the set offers hands-on activities and creative storytelling that will be fun in addition to learning.
INTRODUCTION TO DAILY HOMEWORK
Part of home play is keeping things sparkling clean, for example the Melissa & Doug Wash and Laundry Set gives kids the chance to spray, squirt, scrub and scrub around the house, either using real water or their imaginations. It’s also a great way to introduce young children to daily chores, as they have their own set when they see their parents cleaning the house.
HEROES AND VILLAINS
There’s nothing like dolls and/or action figures to encourage children to be imaginative when telling stories. Watch as they unfold the exciting storylines these characters play out, and you’ll discover unlikely friendships and relationships woven into their stories as well. This Transformers One Power Flip Optimus Prime, for example, transforms the leader of the Autobots into different modes, including the Cybertronian Truck.
Made for children aged six and up, this one will entertain young robot-turned-robots who enjoy this transformative car story.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Children love to make music and create their own songs, and the Animambo series of musical instruments from Djeco helps them do that. This beautifully crafted wooden ukelele is designed for new musicians and those with an interest in music.
Made of heavily varnished wood with a plastic neck and truss, it’s something kids can entertain themselves with while honing their listening skills.
PLAY CHILDREN
Playing with dolls teaches children to be compassionate and caring. It also encourages them to include other people’s perspectives during group play.
This Dressy Friends Daisy game from June Garden is an educational plush doll specially designed for toddlers and children aged two and above.
This toy figure wears a removable pink jacket with a zipper, so it helps children learn dress-up skills including snapping, knitting, tying, buttoning, zipping, looping and tying.
Inspired by Montessori education, it is made for little hands to aid in the development of sensory and motor skills. – ANN/The Star
