Imaginative Play (Part 2)

(This post was written by Mia Hannahs, PromiseKids Director)

Last week’s blog discussed the benefits of imaginative play.  We know that children who spend time using their imaginations benefit socially, creatively, emotionally, and intellectually.  Having your child participate in classes and sports can also be beneficial, but be sure to support your child’s imaginative play. You can do this by offering them space, props, play dates, and free time.

One way to support imaginative play is with prop boxes. A prop box is a container that you have filled with a theme.  Rubbermaid boxes and cardboard boxes both store easily and can be created to suit your child’s interests and age level.  Here are some themes you can introduce:

• Veterinarian – stuffed animals, collars/leashes, bottles to feed animals, bandages
• Firefighter – fireman hat, piece of garden hose, oversized boots, flashing light for siren
• Office- envelopes, paper, pencil, old keyboard and mouse (with cords cut off), stickers (for stamps), briefcase or messenger bag, old cell phone
• Restaurant – apron, notepad for orders, pencil, plastic or disposable dishes, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, empty food containers {such as cereal boxes, Kool Aid canisters), play money
• Salon – old hairdryer (with cord cut off), curlers, dolls, hairbrush, combs, mirror
• Construction – a variety of building supplies (cardboard paper towel tubes, butter dishes, foam blocks), wooden hammer, and golf tees (nails), goggles, and hardhat
• Dress Up – variety of hats, scarves, boa feather, shoes, necktie, clothing (the funkier the better), oversized mirror

Young children love to use their sensory skills. Sensory boxes can provide hours of imaginative play. Under the bed storage boxes work best and can be filled with one of these hands-on items:

• Sand – include measuring cups, a scooper, and sifter
• Pasta Noodles – long noodles, elbow noodles, ziti noodles (the more the better)
• Rice and Beans – pinto beans and rice are pretty cheap and fun to play with uncooked!
• Water- two inches is plenty – add an eyedropper, measuring spoon, containers, and if you are adventurous, food coloring

Parents, these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg.  My hope is that you will not just provide some of these activities, but also join in on the imaginative play with your children. Imaginative play could result in some of your best memories!

Category: fpKids - Birth to Preschool