Imaginative play with peers

What is the goal of this program?

Learn to role-play in different scenarios with peers 

Why is this program important?

Helps with: 

• Building your child’s imagination
• Encouraging social interaction
• Enhancing language development, such as verbal skills and listening skills
• Increasing problem solving skills

How can this be taught?

This program starts off with playing with an adult. First, tell your child his and your role (e.g. “I am going to be the patient and you will be the doctor). Observe whether your child has an idea of how to pretend, if not, you will start off the play. Try to get into the play instead of just giving instructions. To help your child better understand the duties of different roles, pictorial or written prompts can be used. (e.g. doctors: checking heartbeat, giving injections etc.) You may also tell your child what he should say in order to get into the role. After your child has acquired the appropriate play skills, he can play with peers.

Suggested toys and materials 

Any objects required for the activities 

e.g. Doctor set for playing “doctor” 

Related programs 

• Joining in play
• Statement-statement
• Turn taking
   

Troubleshooting / Prerequisite skills 

• Conventional pretend play
• Using short phrases
• Imitate peers in play