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PRETEND PLAY: What Can It Be?
Children imitate actions seen or heard about and to build on these experiences to create new ones. Using theme environments (farms, airports, restaurants) helps the child to re-create experiences and routines. Small items and props (food and kitchen items, water play, cars/vehicles and "people" models) that relate to the theme can be used throughout the play experiences of a child to enhance imagination. Pretend play helps a child to make sense of life experiences, express her individuality and gain a sense of control.
As children get older, the representational objects get increasingly abstract- i.e. a peg becomes a bottle, a large box is a car. Language is expanded through these experiences.
PRETEND PLAY: SUGGESTED TOYS
Shopping Cart (LeapFrog) |
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This toy's sturdy base provides a safe way to shop. The food items are familiar and are sized for small hands. Its scanner identifies each item in the cart. Children want to explore the different levels as they shop for familiar items.
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Pizza Party (Melissa & Doug) |
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This realistic wooden pizza lets everyone make their own slice just the way they like. Easy to use from a variety of positions, Velcro makes it simple to change the slice from pepperoni to pepper or mushrooms. Six thick slices are served on a brightly colored tray; comes with cutter, spatula, and over 50 toppings. This toy encourages constructive and pretend play.
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Laugh ‘n Learn Learning Home (Fisher Price)
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Both sides of the door offer familiar experiences for the young child to explore. Children can crawl or walk from side to side or play on just one side. Discovering familiar concepts such as day/night, on/off and in/out stimulates curiosity & encourages a child to explore and problem solve. It can also promote the understanding of objects, numbers, letters, colors & shapes.
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Workhorse and Workshop tools (Little Tykes) |
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The workbench & realistic tools are colorful and easy to use with large handles. Workbench features include a pounding bench for nails and screws, storage on top and both sides, plus a carrying handle. Separately available, a tool set including screwdriver, wrench, and hammer can be added to make the most fun ever!
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Puppet Stage - (Manhattan Toy) |
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Children can use this portable stage in any position: on the floor or on any tray or table. Finger or hand puppets can be used to create and re-tell stories within the brightly colored stage. The curtains open and close and puppets can be kept in two attached pockets.
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Animal Sounds Farm (Fisher Price) |
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Barnyard sounds bring this classic toy to life as it introduces the farm, props and farm animals. Imitating animal sounds (something children love to do) and moving the pieces around the barnyard engages children of all abilities. The easy-to-handle shapes and open barn design make moving the figures in and out easy. Props include a farmer and his animals- there's even food and water for the animals. The familiar farm theme and animals with expressive faces promote pretend-play experiences.
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My Fire truck Tunnel (Pacific Play Tents) |
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This little red fire engine is a 6 ft. long tunnel designed with 4 mesh side view windows, and a front mesh window. A zippered front closes one end of this tunnel for added realism. This tunnel encourages the use of a child's imagination as they crawl in to rush to a fire. This tunnel has padded interior for comfort & safety as the children move in and out.
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Baby & Blankie (Small World Toys) |
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With its soft cuddly body, curly hair and smiling face, this doll is appealing to all children. Its texture and size promote hugging and carrying. The baby comes with an activity blanket (zipper, button, lacing and snaps). Other props such as a removable diaper, soft yellow duck and bottle-shaped rattle extend the pretend play possibilities.
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