Question

Why does make-believe play promote cognitive development?

Answer 1

The Piaget's cognitive theory of development emphasizes the role of make- belief play as it helps in learning new skills through play. It also helps in understanding concepts such as conservation, which is an ability to know that even if two objects may be shaped differently they may hold the same amount of mass. This is often learnt when children play with glasses or vessels and pour water into each other. According to Lev Vygotski's theory of zone of proximal development, children learn pretend play and imagine situations, and role play is done in a safe environment, which helps them face real life situations and challenges.

In pretend play, children often use symbolism, which is a kind of fantasy play where children use one thing as another. For example, a block could be used as buildings or cars. This involves cognitive processes such as problem solving, as they may start applying solutions to problems when they arrive, and also it helps in developing their creativity. Playing make-belief games helps children to apply these solutions or ideas to real life problems or situations.