The Learning Child Series

The program observes young children in play sequences that require planning negotiating collaborating, taking roles and developing narratives. In these sequences, children explore language and the imaginative “as if” thinking that leads to advanced intellectual functioning. The learning that takes place during play is seen in the child’s increasing ability to think hypothetically, to reason and to function effectively as a social being in a complex world.

 

For its lasting benefit to children, “pretend play“ goes well beyond the fun involved. By imaginatively creating scenes and stories, children naturally engage in activities that are critical to their creative, cognitive and social development.