Imaginative play encompasses learning from just about everywhere

For some time now, your child has been learning about themselves, other people and potentially beings from other worlds. It is becoming easier for them to take on the most amazing imaginative superhuman powers, transforming themselves smoothly into a completely new being in no time at all. 

This all happens as they've mastered language, social and cognitive skills, which mean they can play imaginatively for longer stretches of time – sometimes maybe even playing the same game across a few days.   

All of these abilities are combining to enable a deeper understanding of imaginative play and how to keep it going. They can draw on a great deal of experience, and it's likely that they've developed interests that help keep role-play going for longer. 

More often than not, children take on the role of grown-ups and tie together previous experiences to create a trail of play. They will have by now gained more of an idea of different professions, animals and even non-human beings – these all lend themselves to being able to start a storyline and see it through. 

You might hear them ask for a specific implement if they are a doctor or they might have a chat about the busyness of the day while typing away on their keyboards at ‘work’. 

Playing with others is brilliant for children as it serves as a creative spark, allowing them to connect ideas and keep the pretend play alive. 

Imaginative play encourages deeper thinking skills and quicker decision making 

Have you ever seen your child stuff a cushion up their jumper and pretend they're having a baby? If so, you've witnessed them think about how they can achieve something and make it feel real. 

They are more capable of thinking creatively and decisively to make their ideas come into fruition. All their new skills are helping them extend and enhance their play.  

Playing imaginatively with others can be a brilliant chance to learn the art of negotiation (maybe with a bit of help sometimes!) 

Playing imaginatively and cooperatively requires children not only to create storylines and agree these with others, so your child can practice explaining their ideas, listening to other ideas and agreeing what to do.   

More often than not, children want to be the same character, or they might want to wear the same costume. Working this out might be more difficult at times than others – your child probably thinks their idea is the best, or there might be a character everyone wants to be.   

Agreeing about what to do is a great way to develop communication skills and learn a bit about negotiation and compromise.  You could help your child by encouraging them to pause and listen to other people's ideas. 

It’s worth giving them the time and space to figure it out though, as negotiating how to play harmoniously encourages them to use more of their imagination! 

And when they sort it out, listening to another child act out the part they intended to can give them some ideas for what to say or do. This can help your child to develop a deeper understanding of the role. 

Imaginative play is limitless, and your child's mind has the potential to conjure up truly out of this world concepts!