, Question 1
I agree, one of the most important stages of cognitive development is definitely
symbolic play, especially in the younger years of life.
I will discuss 10 points outlining the consequences that the quality of symbolic play can
have on a child’s later development. I have chosen to focus on the age group of 3 – 4
year olds.
Language skills will be enhanced as the use of symbolic play allows children to use
and understand language effectively. An example could be when children play “house”
they will use a vocabulary containing words such as “mom”, “dad”, “kitchen”, etc. which
adds to their communication skills.
Symbolic play provides opportunities for creative thinking and problem solving.
Children create their own scenarios where there are problems to solve. A great example
is when children play “doctor” and there is a doctor and patient present in the game.
The doctor tries to discover what is wrong with the patient and how to help. This
promotes creativity and problem solving.
Social development is a huge advantage of symbolic play, which is relevant to all age
groups. Elements such as sharing, empathy, and conflict resolution are developed
during symbolic play.
Through symbolic play children learn to regulate their emotions. By doing this
through play children can explore in a safe and controlled environment. An example
would be that when children pretend to be scared or happy, this provides them with the
opportunity to manage their own emotions.
Symbolic play also promotes cognitive development. Children play in scenarios that
aides in memory enhancement, use of attention span and organisational skills. For
example a child will learn that by focussing on a puzzle for a certain duration equates
completion, thereby using their attention span.
I agree, one of the most important stages of cognitive development is definitely
symbolic play, especially in the younger years of life.
I will discuss 10 points outlining the consequences that the quality of symbolic play can
have on a child’s later development. I have chosen to focus on the age group of 3 – 4
year olds.
Language skills will be enhanced as the use of symbolic play allows children to use
and understand language effectively. An example could be when children play “house”
they will use a vocabulary containing words such as “mom”, “dad”, “kitchen”, etc. which
adds to their communication skills.
Symbolic play provides opportunities for creative thinking and problem solving.
Children create their own scenarios where there are problems to solve. A great example
is when children play “doctor” and there is a doctor and patient present in the game.
The doctor tries to discover what is wrong with the patient and how to help. This
promotes creativity and problem solving.
Social development is a huge advantage of symbolic play, which is relevant to all age
groups. Elements such as sharing, empathy, and conflict resolution are developed
during symbolic play.
Through symbolic play children learn to regulate their emotions. By doing this
through play children can explore in a safe and controlled environment. An example
would be that when children pretend to be scared or happy, this provides them with the
opportunity to manage their own emotions.
Symbolic play also promotes cognitive development. Children play in scenarios that
aides in memory enhancement, use of attention span and organisational skills. For
example a child will learn that by focussing on a puzzle for a certain duration equates
completion, thereby using their attention span.
