Photo provided by osmar01.
Let's Pretend
Photo provided by rrss.
“Let’s play house. I’ll be the mom, and you be the Dear.” This is one of my favorite lines I’ve ever observed in the dramatic play area of a laboratory preschool. Dramatic play is known by its more common monikers, such as dress-up, playing house, or playing pretend. Whatever the name, it is an enchanting play situation for young children where they can be whoever, or whatever, they wish. While it is an empowering escape into the world of fantasy, it also a huge tool for learning and growth in the child’s development.
Let’s Pretend
Photo provided by rrss.
“Let’s play house. I’ll be the mom, and you be the Dear.” This is one of my favorite lines I’ve ever observed in the dramatic play area of a laboratory preschool. Dramatic play is known by its more common monikers, such as dress-up, playing house, or playing pretend. Whatever the name, it is an enchanting play situation for young children where they can be whoever, or whatever, they wish. While it is an empowering escape into the world of fantasy, it also a huge tool for learning and growth in the child’s development.
Cognitive Development
Photo provided by scol22.
Cognitive development is the growth of those skills used for critical thinking, analyzing, logic, recall, and problem solving. We can offer opportunities for cognitive development through games like memory, matching, or puzzles. Conversation is a large contributor to cognitive development. Any activity children are engaged in can become an opportunity for cognitive development as we give them the time and opportunity to wonder. “Why does that…..” “What would happen if…..” When children bring us their questions, we can first turn the question around to give them the opportunity to come to their own conclusions. (“That’s a good question. What do you think?”) Often, their questions are simply a verbalization of their own problem solving process. Cognitive development is also an umbrella for other, more specific, “academic” type developmental objectives such as language & literacy, math, and science.
