Ways to Encourage Creative Play

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Not all play is equal, experts say. Here are five "open-ended" ways to encourage kids to engage in creative, imaginative playtime.

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Imaginative and pretend play is actually very complex and good for kids' development.

01 Encourages creativity 02 Encourages cooperation 03 04 05 Encourages learning Encourages conflict resolution Helps them make sense of the world

Get Outside

1 Make an obstacle course. Hold the Olympics. Build a fort. Explore. Do a scavenger hunt. There is so much to do outside!

2 Get Cooking Create special dishes or play restaurant!

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How to Promote Pretend Play

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Get Building

4 Build a pillow fort in the living room, turn a cardboard box into a robot, or make a race car out of blocks.

Get Messy

5 In my house we call them controlled messes. Paint, build with clay, find a mud puddle. Make a mess!

Let's Review

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"Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning."

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