CSP4801
Assignment 06: Psychology of
Education
This assignment must be uploaded as a PDF on myModules. Turnitin will
generate a similarity report. Highlighted sections reflect similarity to already
published work. These sections will need to be paraphrased (written in your
own words and cite the source). You may revise your assignment and re-
submit. The maximum number of attempts to submit an assignment is 3
(three).
Question 1
Many psychologists believe that one of the most important stages of cognitive
development is symbolic play. You have been given a task to help a group of
parents to understand symbolic play. In ten (10) points, explain in what way
the quality of children’s symbolic play can have consequences on the
children’s later development. Include examples that are relevant to the group
of parents you are speaking to. Indicate the age of the learners that you are
referring to. (20)
1. Symbolic play allows children to develop their imaginations and creativity. This is
important for their later development as it helps them think outside the box and come
up with innovative solutions to problems. For example, a 3-year-old child who
engages in symbolic play by pretending to be a superhero may grow up to excel in
creative fields like writing or arts.
2. Symbolic play helps children develop their language and communication skills. By
engaging in pretend scenarios with others, children learn to express their thoughts
, and ideas more effectively. For instance, a 4-year-old child who engages in symbolic
play with dolls and teddy bears may develop better storytelling skills and become an
excellent communicator later in life.
3. Symbolic play fosters social skills and emotional intelligence. Children learn to
take on roles and imagine how others might think or feel. This helps them develop
empathy and understand different perspectives. For example, a 5-year-old child who
engages in symbolic play with a group of peers may develop strong social skills and
become a good team player in adulthood.
4. Symbolic play encourages problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. When
children engage in pretend play, they often encounter obstacles and challenges that
require them to think critically and come up with solutions. This helps develop their
problem-solving skills, which can benefit them in various situations later in life. For
instance, a 6-year-old child who engages in symbolic play by setting up a pretend
grocery store may develop strong analytical skills and excel in fields like business or
entrepreneurship.
5. Symbolic play supports the development of self-regulation and impulse control.
Children learn to follow rules and take turns when engaging in pretend scenarios.
This helps them develop emotional regulation and self-control skills. For example, a
7-year-old child who engages in symbolic play by participating in a pretend
classroom may develop better self-regulation skills and perform well academically.
6. Symbolic play enhances problem-solving skills. Children engage in pretend
scenarios where they need to find solutions to various situations by applying their
knowledge and skills. For instance, a 8-year-old child who engages in symbolic play
with building blocks may develop strong problem-solving skills and excel in fields like
engineering or architecture.
7. Symbolic play promotes cognitive development. Children engage in pretend
scenarios that require them to think and reason. This helps develop their cognitive
abilities, such as memory, attention, and executive function skills. For example, a 9-
year-old child who engages in symbolic play by solving puzzles may develop better
memory and focus, which can benefit them in academic pursuits.
Assignment 06: Psychology of
Education
This assignment must be uploaded as a PDF on myModules. Turnitin will
generate a similarity report. Highlighted sections reflect similarity to already
published work. These sections will need to be paraphrased (written in your
own words and cite the source). You may revise your assignment and re-
submit. The maximum number of attempts to submit an assignment is 3
(three).
Question 1
Many psychologists believe that one of the most important stages of cognitive
development is symbolic play. You have been given a task to help a group of
parents to understand symbolic play. In ten (10) points, explain in what way
the quality of children’s symbolic play can have consequences on the
children’s later development. Include examples that are relevant to the group
of parents you are speaking to. Indicate the age of the learners that you are
referring to. (20)
1. Symbolic play allows children to develop their imaginations and creativity. This is
important for their later development as it helps them think outside the box and come
up with innovative solutions to problems. For example, a 3-year-old child who
engages in symbolic play by pretending to be a superhero may grow up to excel in
creative fields like writing or arts.
2. Symbolic play helps children develop their language and communication skills. By
engaging in pretend scenarios with others, children learn to express their thoughts
, and ideas more effectively. For instance, a 4-year-old child who engages in symbolic
play with dolls and teddy bears may develop better storytelling skills and become an
excellent communicator later in life.
3. Symbolic play fosters social skills and emotional intelligence. Children learn to
take on roles and imagine how others might think or feel. This helps them develop
empathy and understand different perspectives. For example, a 5-year-old child who
engages in symbolic play with a group of peers may develop strong social skills and
become a good team player in adulthood.
4. Symbolic play encourages problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. When
children engage in pretend play, they often encounter obstacles and challenges that
require them to think critically and come up with solutions. This helps develop their
problem-solving skills, which can benefit them in various situations later in life. For
instance, a 6-year-old child who engages in symbolic play by setting up a pretend
grocery store may develop strong analytical skills and excel in fields like business or
entrepreneurship.
5. Symbolic play supports the development of self-regulation and impulse control.
Children learn to follow rules and take turns when engaging in pretend scenarios.
This helps them develop emotional regulation and self-control skills. For example, a
7-year-old child who engages in symbolic play by participating in a pretend
classroom may develop better self-regulation skills and perform well academically.
6. Symbolic play enhances problem-solving skills. Children engage in pretend
scenarios where they need to find solutions to various situations by applying their
knowledge and skills. For instance, a 8-year-old child who engages in symbolic play
with building blocks may develop strong problem-solving skills and excel in fields like
engineering or architecture.
7. Symbolic play promotes cognitive development. Children engage in pretend
scenarios that require them to think and reason. This helps develop their cognitive
abilities, such as memory, attention, and executive function skills. For example, a 9-
year-old child who engages in symbolic play by solving puzzles may develop better
memory and focus, which can benefit them in academic pursuits.
