Creating Social Interaction with Pretend Play



Posted: Wednesday, January 06, 2010

by
Holloway Designs, LLC

Society is based upon social interaction. Everyday, we go to our jobs or out in the world and encounter people. This encounter is social interaction. But how do children have social interaction? They don't go to a job but they do attend school, day care or play groups. At these places, they must learn to interact with other children. This interaction with other children will help them in adulthood. As parents, we must teach our children social skills that will prepare them for the world beyond our household. But how do we do this without cramming it down their throats. Pretend play is a great method to teach social interaction to children through everyday life.

It is a known fact that children love to play. Until about the age of two or three, they play by themselves in their own little world. Even when put with other children, they still tend to play separately. It is not till the age of three and above that their brain is developed enough to actually take another child into their play. This is why in a group of two year olds you have a lot of "that's mine" and "no". But once they are capable, we need to stimulate them with group play.

How do we stimulate group play? When given an activity or toy, children will create their own storyline or situation. This is why pretend play is so effective. For example, a puppet theater works wonders for pretend play . The children must develop a comprehensive story and work together to portray that to the audience. If each child has their own story, the show will be a disaster with ten different stories. If they work together to create one story, then this creates teamwork. The value of teamwork is essential for adulthood as most work forces promote teamwork.

Is a puppet theater too advanced for a four year old? Not really. The story itself doesn't have to be advanced. Take a minute to listen to a group of four -year olds playing. Even if they do not have a structured activity like a puppet theater, they usually come to agreement on a theme for their play. They could create a train with chairs or become astronauts to the moon. Once that play is through, they will move on to another common activity. This is a simple form of pretend play. The children are using their imagination for a common goal.

Give your children a gift with pretend play. It will not only be fun them, but will give them a skill that is essential for adulthood. Social interaction will not only advance them in today's world but will also make them a well rounded individual.

Jami Holloway is the mother of two and home business owner. She supports creativity in children and approves of the creative toys seen on http://www.kidspretendplay.com.

 

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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)
» left by Jack H. Schick
 2 years 8 days ago.
89 fans.
Your article is written well and gives good advice. I was not real interested, though. That is simply my reading interests, not a put down of your article. Thanks
» left by Anonymous
 2 years 8 days ago.
Welcome to searchwarp.
» left by Anonymous
 2 years 6 days ago.
I always enjoyed working together to create a story, play or situation that combined all creative energies. Interesting points!
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