Playing with toys that encourage imagination and pretend play, is not only fun for kids but it can also be a means for their growth and development. When your child acts out a scene between their dolls, they are exploring the possibilities of behavior. They are learning to be free in their own minds and that imagination and creativity are good things.
In the world of child development you may hear us use phrases like “critical thinking skills” and “creative problem-solving abilities” when referring to our goals for your child’s cognitive development. What we are really talking about is… imagination. –Childtime.com
How To Encourage Imaginative Play In Toddlers
If you want to encourage imaginative play in your child, it is often as simple as allowing them to imagine things instead of accidentally belittling their imagination. If your child is engaged in flying their airplane around the room, and you ask them why they are being silly, they learn that type of imaginative behavior isn’t valued.
Perhaps, the very best way to encourage imaginative play, is to engage in it with them. Set your adult worries aside and embrace your imagination. It doesn’t have to be complex. When my kids were little and they were having bath time, I once used my fingers as puppets because there were no bath toys. That tradition took root and we all have our very own finger puppets, each with their own name and personality. We role play conversations and events and have fun being silly. They know anything they can dream up is interesting to me. They know pretend play can be silly and fun and that it has a special place.
Play has always been an important part in a child’s development. It is through play that their imaginations can be expressed in a vivid manner, and it can actually develop their senses, way of thinking, values, and how they can go about different roles they’ll be portraying in the future.
That is why most toys today are made in such a way that it enhances children’s development. Very good examples of educational toys that encourage imagination are those which not only develop a child’s social growth and cognitive skills but they also enhance his language skills as well. Below are some ideas for toys that encourage imagination.
Toys That Encourage Imagination
Here are four good choices of toys that encourage imagination but there are many, many more options. Think of leaving out the toys that need batteries to encourage pretend play.
Dolls and Dollhouses
Dolls are a very popular toys that encourage imagination as well as the dollhouses that come with dolls. Children often like to mimic what their mothers or older women do in taking care of babies. Dolls, mini-dolls and dollhouses are also excellent ways in teaching children close family ties and taking care of members in the family or society.
Kids Play Kitchen
Young children love to participate in various activities. They often would ask what you’re doing in the kitchen and much as possible try to do it themselves. Kids play kitchen are just the right toys that encourage imagination in children. Play kitchens will teach them basic household chores and responsibilities like washing the dishes, and even develop their interest in cooking or baking. Some of these play kitchens already comes with a counter, a grill or burner, an oven, ice maker, a few cupboards, cabinets, towel racks, refrigerator, storage spaces, and a sink just like a real kitchen would look like. Others also include some toy kitchen utensils like plates, cups, spoons and forks, knives, pans, and with toy foods like fruits, vegetables, and meat.
Workshop Play Set
The best way to enhance your child’s motor skills and interest in arts is by exposing them to various handcrafting activities. The workshop play set is just the perfect toy to encourage imagination and enhance their different abilities. This set will definitely develop their imagination to create new things and understand how things work. Most workshop play set already includes a table, a bench, and some materials and safe tools for building.
Medical Play Set
For kids, pretending to be a doctor would be fun especially when playing with friends or even with dolls. A medical play set can include a doctor costume and a handbag where all medical accessories are placed like a toy stethoscope or thermometer. These are toys that encourage imagination and teach kids about teamwork and leadership.
Don’t underestimate the power of good toys that encourage imagination in developing the minds and skills of your children. Their toys may be an initial step to what they will become in the future.
I hope you found the guest post interesting. Kids can use anything for imaginative play really. My daughter likes it when I use my two fingers and pretend they are a person. She calls him Joe and it is one of her favorite games! What are your favorite toys that encourage imagination?
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