Imaginative Play:

Mimicking &
Pretending
Why is Imaginative
Play so important?
 The progression of imaginative play skills
(sometimes also called dramatic play skills) is first
mimicking(copying actions they see adults doing),
then taking on a role (pretending to be someone
else), then solitary play (playing in their own little
world), the parallel play (imitating another child,
but not yet fully interacting with them). After
that, you have to interact (having give and take
with another child), then use props (being able to
pretend an abstract item is something specific),
and finally plan (having an idea of what situation
they want to create and making choices,
gathering people to fill roles, and gathering props
to support their plan).
Why is Imaginative
Play so important?
Cont.

When they can ‘pretend play’

with other children, they must
When children play a role and
pay attention to the other child
pretend to be someone else,
and what she or he is doing and
they gain valuable practice in
fit their own actions to what is
feeling what it would be like to
going on, sometimes
be someone else (empathy).
negotiating their own wishes
(social and cognitive).
Book
Recommendation

Gone Fishing
by Earlene Long

This book discusses the

adventure of fishing. It can be
a good opportunity for children
to learn about tools specific to
an activity as well as a role
they can take on during their
imaginative play.
 Today’s Activity:
Fishing

Today in class the toddlers had the

opportunity to use life jackets and fishing

nets as they pretend to be fishermen and

‘go fishing’ in the sensory bin, using toy

fish.
Another Activity Idea:
Funny Noises
Make funny noises of any kind and have the
children mimic you. You can mimic their noises
also. Some noises could include, tongue clicking,
clapping, tapping hollow cheeks, stomping and
other voiced and unvoiced noises.
Strategies that support
Imaginative Play.

 Modeling: This is an important strategy for imaginative

play. Modeling can be done directly or indirectly.
(Meaning are you intentionally or unintentionally
showing the child what to do?) This is an important
strategy to include in imaginative play as it can teach
our younger children how to appropriately use tools
and props.
 Silence: Helps give time and space to children so they
can try to figure out and problem solve by themselves
before an adult engages. It is important that when you
use this strategy you should be nearby to help or
intervene if needed.
 Imitation and Mimicking: Imitation and mimicking are
important because it empowers the child in their play.
When an adult mimics a child and follows their
direction, it can help build their confidence and
strength the relationship between the adult and child.
Questions or
Feedback?
Contact Information:
Emily Greene
(515)257-6691
gre17039@byui.edu
Thank you!
References
 Things to Do with Toddlers and Twos by Karen Miller
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/why-dramatic-play-matters/
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/kids-activities-and-printables/activities-for-ki
ds/arts-and-craft-ideas/importance-pretend-play.html