1. Let’s Pretend: Encouraging Kids’ Imagination
Karen Lynn Poff, C.F.C.S.
Senior Extension Agent, Family and Human Development
Virginia Cooperative Extension

2. What is Pretend Play? Imitative role play Make-believe with objects
Make-believe with actions and situations
Interaction
Verbal communication
Persistence

3. Benefits of Pretend Play
Social Skills
Language Skills
Emotional Development
Self-Esteem
Sensitivity
Creativity
Problem-Solving
Cognitive Development

4. Pretend Play~Twos Copy familiar routines
Repeat the action over and over
Use more actions than words
Are very serious about play

5. Pretend Play~Threes Begin to plan for pretending
Give more importance to props/costumes
Use more language in play
Begin to pretend with peers for short periods
Prefer familiar roles
Begin to use feelings and personalities

6. Pretend Play~ Fours and Fives
Begin to be very creative in play
Use elaborate props and costumes
Pretend together in groups
Enjoy adventure themes
Create more sophisticated plots
Can usually distinguish between “real” & “pretend”

7. The Caregiver’s Role Provide a place for pretend play
Provide props and costumes
Introduce a play theme through a story
Ask questions to facilitate or extend play

8. The Caregiver’s Role Assist in problem-solving, if needed
Support both boys and girls in exploring non-traditional roles
Encourage involvement of children with special needs
Allow plenty of time for play (at least 30 minutes at a time)

9. Techniques for Promoting Pretend Play
Comment on what the child is doing
Imitate the child’s actions
Reinforce the child’s symbolic play
Make indirect suggestions
Make direct suggestions
Model symbolic-play behaviors

10. Ideas for Managing Superhero Play
Help children recognize humane characteristics of superheroes
Discuss real heroes and heroines
Limit the place/time for superhero play

11. Ideas for Managing Superhero Play
Explore related concepts
Help children develop goals for superheroes
Make it clear that aggression is not OK
Support children who want to stop/escape

12. Ideas to Encourage Pretend Play