Pretending is an important part of childhood. Pretend play builds social and emotional skills, language skills, thinking skills, and nurtures the imagination. In "The Importance of Pretend Play," Ellen Booth Church discusses how the process of pretending builds skills in these essential developmental areas. As homeschool parents, we can encourage pretend play even past the early stages of childhood by providing resources that spark children's imaginations.
Here are some free printable kits to encourage pretend play. They are great anytime there's a lull in the day or you hear the words, "I'm bored." If printed on colored paper and/or card stock and assembled in a folder, the kits can make a nice gift for the little people in your life. Additional props are suggested in each kit.
Comments
I agree that pretend play is important, but it can lose its meaning if explicitly taught. In the autism world, some therapists have parents actually teach pretend play. If that is the case, then it is really more work and therapy, not play.
I chose to wait for my daughter to develop at her own pace, and she did figure out pretend play when she was ready. All I did was support her with the right props.
I did blog about pretend play a few months back.
Hi I’m a stay at home mom with a 4 year old and a 3 month old. I was planning on putting my 4 year old in Pre-K this year but the only school that will except her at her age in our area cost 4000 dollars a year. I cant afford that. No Way!! So I have decided to home school my neice with my daughter cause my sister cannot afford it either and there the same age so I have volunteered to do it. Do you have any advice for me on how to get started and what I should teach a 4 year old. Thanks Mrs. Sheffield