4 – 6 years
What kind of play can you do with a child this age?
Don’t be surprised if one minute your five year old is Batman, and the next he’s just himself. During this stage of development children are engrossed in pretend play so encourage that with:
- props that can be used to reflect real life like telephones and dolls
- open-ended play items like cardboard boxes and craft supplies so your child can make his own props to act out his favorite stories
- books! Read to your child regularly and allow opportunities for him to extend the story through dramatic play
- physical play activities like bike riding, tag, and dodge ball games
How does this play help child develop at this age?
Pretend play is detailed oriented and more realistic during this stage of development. As kids reach 6, they are grasping the different between real and pretend, which makes fantasy and make believe play more fun. During dramatic play children continue to build their language and social skills as well as develop their creativity. Children may even may work out their feelings and try to solve problems all through seemingly elaborate forms of pretend play. Bicycling and physical play provides children the opportunity to fine-tune their balance, continue to build coordination and develop their gross motor skills.
Click here to learn how to play with a 6 year old and beyond!
