The most common, not to mention the most fulfilling, type of play occurs when children imitate the situations and experiences they encounter in their everyday life. Role play toys are traditional toys that encourage children to pretend and play out these different opportunities for learning.
Pretend, or dramatic play, is the foundation of most childhood games and often centres around a variety of toys. When children pretend, they assume the roles of others and imagine what life would be like in their shoes. Make believe games are essential to a healthy childhood and is such a natural part of play that toys aren't even a requirement. Role play toys enhance play time by providing props that make pretend play more realistic.
The Benefits of Role Play Toys
Toys that encourage role playing are tremendous fun for children of all ages, especially during the preschool years, and are also extremely valuable tools for healthy development.
- Pretend play encourages children to invent and create, expanding their minds as well as their imaginations.
- Children learn cooperation and a number of social skills in typical role playing scenarios.
- These toys aid in the development of language skills as well, from basic vocabulary to more advanced storytelling.
- These old fashioned toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk] can also teach problem solving skills and logic as children explore the various ways each prop can be used in their play.
Types of Toys
Traditional toys that are considered to be role play toys include an array of different toys and play time accessories. Simple toys like blocks, and even natural objects like sticks and rocks, can become role play toys in the eyes of a child. A flat, rectangular block, for instance, can easily represent a telephone, while a long twig makes a wonderful fishing pole.
There are also a variety of toys that are designed specifically for role play and directly influence dramatic play. Miniature household appliances are favourites for both boys and girls. Small children love to imitate mom and dad so child sized kitchens, laundry tools, cleaning aids, and even tool benches are excellent role play toys.
Puppets are also toys that encourage creative, pretend play and role playing. Puppets and puppet theatres can help children discuss their fears and showcase their accomplishments while boosting language skills, social development, and fine motor skills. Playhouses, tents, and other hideaways are full of potential with endless possibilities for imaginative little ones.
Dramatic and pretend play is an essential part of childhood. Whether a child is replaying a memorable vacation or birthday party or working through her personal fears of the dentist with her own doll, role playing games are one of the most valuable types of play. Including a selection of role play toys, dress up clothes, and other traditional toys that encourage make believe in your child's play time will provide her with plenty of opportunities to learn and explore life while having fun.
Gary writes extensively on the role of traditional toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk] in childhood development for his blog and online toy shop Monkeyshine where you will find an amazing range of quality children's toys.
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