The Benefits of Imaginative Play

When children of any age use their imaginations, they aren’t just having fun. Imaginative play is also a way for kids to safely learn about and explore the world around them, discover ways to handle problems and express emotions through role playing, as well as figuring out the concept of healthy interaction with others.

Incorporating imaginative play inside the classroom…

The classroom is a wonderful arena for encouraging imagination and interaction. For this reason, it is important to offer various toys and games that will stimulate a child’s imagination and inspire playtime with other kids. Dolls, shopping carts, and “grown up” costumes are all good examples. Another popular addition is the toy kitchen.

Play kitchens have captured the imaginations of children for ages, and today’s models are better than ever. When choosing a toy kitchen for your classroom, consider the ages of the children as well as the number of children who may try and take part in the game at once. You may choose a large kitchen with various stations, or a more compact unit that features different aspects of a real kitchen in a circular shape around the unit. The choice is yours and should be made based on the size of your classroom and budget.

Standard Unit Blocks

Having wooden blocks in the classroom gives teachers many options to engage students in pretend play. Learning about space can result in the building of rockets. Learning letters can result in students "building" their name. Blocks also give students a great way to pretend play together. Learning to share and build on another students idea are lessons that will continue all throughout the education process.

The possibilities with blocks when it comes to pretend play are endless. One of the most insightful activities a teacher can do with blocks is to dump out some blocks in front of each student and let them decide what to build. Some students will build towers, other students will build pens for their animals, some will build car ramps, and others will build their own unique designs.

Wooden Book Displays

Having book displays in the classroom give students the perfect setting to play library or book store. This kind of play will encourage students to read and become interested in books. Students can take turns being the librarian or cashier and describe the books to the other students.

Create a mail person of the day game. Get index cards and have the children label each card with the books in the class. Take them to the schools library and let them get an idea how the school library system works, them emulate that in your class. Pretend play with a lesson!

Encourage pretend play in students as part of your lesson plans. Learn the personality of each student and you'll be surprised at their imaginations and ability to see the world in a different light.