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TTS Talking Early Years

Episode 13 | Imaginative Play with Ben Kingston-Hughes

Jul 11, 2024
Ben Kingston-Hughes, an international keynote speaker and multi award-winning trainer, joins Alistair Bryce-Clegg to explore the magic of imaginative play. They delve into how this form of play builds confidence and creativity in children. The importance of allowing kids to experiment with unconventional items is emphasized, as is the critical role adults play in facilitating, rather than directing, play. Practical tips for educators are shared to nurture children's imagination, ensuring they become innovative thinkers.
21:51

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Imaginative play significantly nurtures cognitive development by fostering creativity and innovative problem-solving skills in children.
  • The role of adults in facilitating open-ended play is crucial, as it allows children to explore and develop their imaginative capabilities freely.

Deep dives

The Importance of Imaginative Play

Imaginative play is a crucial component of early childhood development that extends beyond the common perceptions of it being simply about fairies and unicorns. It involves any act of pretending, where a child or individual creatively represents something not literally true, demonstrating a form of symbolic thinking. Since imaginative play is neurologically rich, providing children with ample experiences fosters their ability to dream and innovate. Furthermore, adults play a pivotal role in nurturing this creativity by engaging in playful behaviors themselves, which helps children develop their own imaginative skills.

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