The Importance of Play

557 Words3 Pages
This essay will discuss what imaginary play is, the importance of imaginative play, what activities and experiences can enhance imaginative development, how adults can assist in developing a child’s imagination, what resources can help support and encourage a child’s imagination and what learning and development can occur when children engage in play that will help them develop their imaginations. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them. Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles, sometimes in conjunction with other children or adult caregivers. http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;119/1/182 retrieved 24 May 2011. Imaginary play also known as pretend play involves children participating in activities that enable them to use their imaginations and develop their own thoughts and ideas in a completely unique and personal way, this may include role playing, dress up, art and craft activities, making music, dancing and creating their own songs or stories. Imaginary play is Important as it helps children develop their own thoughts and ideas, it can help them over come their fears and can give them a perspective of the role that they play in the world. “Increasingly child development experts are recognising the importance of imagination and the role it plays in understanding reality. Imagination is necessary for learning about people and events we don’t directly experience such as history or events on the other side of the world. For young kids it allows them to ponder the future, such as what they want to do when they
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