When children participate in pretend play, they are developing their imaginations and language skills, exploring new ideas and roles, engaging in conversations that require problem–solving and social skills, and working on early literacy skills such as symbolic thinking. As Fred Rogers said, "Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning, but for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."

In this set of resources, we will use videos and a song from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood to focus on ways in which you can encourage and show children and families that creative pretend play is valued and important.

Watch the videos about Pretend Play and think about how you could use them as part of the classroom activities or throughout the year. 

Explore the topic of Pretend Play in your classroom using the Teacher Tips and Classroom Activity.

Share the Family Activity document with the families of your students, so they can continue the conversation at home.