Sometimes play just seems like a waste of time doesn't it? Especially dress up and acting kind of play. What is the point of this for kids? Why do they seem to crave this kind of play, especially during preschool years?
Because... it's actually really important for the child's development! Give them time for unstructured, socio-dramatic play. Here's how it helps kids develop and get ready for school:
- Emotional development- this kind of play helps kids become more caring, emotionally aware, and empathetic individuals. Think about it, if you are pretending to be a cat, you have to know how a cat feels and acts. You have to demonstrate that knowledge by responding to peers in play, with the same level and type of response as a cat would. In pretending to be another, you are literally stepping into their shoes and wearing their feelings, activities, and responses. Children who have opportunities to role-play begin to pay attention to other people's feelings and actions so that they can replicate them accurately in play.
- Behavioral regulation- in tandem with emotional development, children must regulate their behavior to accurately portray who they are pretending to be. A child who struggles to sit during circle time might be able to sit for minutes on end if his job is to be the lookout on the watchtower! Behaving "out of character" in play will cause the child's peers to correct or coach the errant child to more accurate play-acting.
- Social development- when receiving coaching from peers, or inherent in the play-plan's progression, children experience opportunities to disagree. This means they experience opportunities to solve problems, discuss alternative solutions, and brainstorm new ways to develop the characters and plot elements in the story. Role play with more experienced play partners allows young children to be pulled up the social ladder in growing from parallel play and prolonging collaborative play.
- Cognitive development- creativity and imagination are abundant in this type of play, which are essential skills to have in the future job market! Furthermore, role play is often symbolic in nature. If children don't have a phone for example, they could substitute a toy banana or even a block, to represent what they need for the play-plan. Pretending that one thing represents another is a crucial development for pre-literacy where letters become symbols for sounds that build words. Planning before play develops executive functioning skills in kids. Being able to visualize what or who they will be in a plan, the needed materials, the "script" of what will be said and done... is all play-planning that builds the frontal lobe of the brain. Role play allows children to recall and connect experiences. Children remember something they have seen, done, or otherwise experienced, and recreate it with peers.
Children who are "kindergarten-ready" can regulate themselves emotionally and behaviorally. The most successful kids in school are often the ones who can form positive relationships with other students and teachers. Children who understand symbols, have a working memory, and can connect ideas/experiences are children who are ready to learn more advanced academic skills. So... give role playing its due! This is a great way to help children develop and prepare for school at the same time!
