How Imaginative Play Sparks Learning and Growth

A child’s imagination is one of the most enchanting things about them – never ceasing to amaze us grown-ups with its… erm, limitless nature. Here’s why that’s so important to foster…

While it may seem like it’s bordering on silly, imaginative play has profound benefits for young minds. Whether it’s setting up a LEGO® DUPLO® village, pretending to be a superhero or hosting a tea party for teddies, imaginative play helps children develop crucial skills they’ll use for life (plus, if you play your cards right, you might just get invited to a royal banquet on the living room floor!).

What Is Imaginative Play and Why Is It Important?

Imaginative play, also known as pretend play or role-playing, is any activity that involves children using their imagination to act out scenarios, take on roles and invent stories. Kids might pretend to be doctors treating stuffed animals, astronauts exploring outer space or chefs whipping up cakes from LEGO bricks.

This type of play is critical for development. It’s like the ultimate multi-tool of playtime, allowing children to practice their creativity while also building language, social skills and problem-solving abilities. Through pretend play, children can safely explore new ideas and roles, which helps them make sense of their environment.

The Top Benefits of Imaginative Play

1. Enhancing language development

Imaginative play is a fantastic opportunity for kids to have fun exploring new words. Through storytelling and talking, they improve their vocabulary and communication skills, while also expressing their wants, needs and ideas. They also learn to listen to others (sometimes!), which is a great tool for learning new words.

Play idea: Pretend you’re in a restaurant (your child could create the food using the LEGO Classic Creative Food Friends set, which is perfect for ages 4+) and encourage your child to think of the different roles they could take on. Would your child like to be the chef, waiter or even a customer? Can they describe the ‘meals’ they’re preparing with the LEGO bricks?

2. Boosting creativity and problem-solving

Imaginative play is a natural outlet for creativity and allows kids to experiment in a low-pressure setting. If they’re building a spaceship with LEGO bricks, they have to figure out which pieces work best, how to build the cockpit and how to make it ‘blast-off’ ready. These simple problem-solving activities lay a foundation for critical thinking skills later in life.

Play idea: Challenge your child to build their favorite animal or an invention. If they get stuck, ask questions like, “How can we make it stand up?” or “What could we use to make it taller?” This helps them learn troubleshooting and coming up with solutions.

3. Building social skills

Role play is a fun way for children to practice social skills, including turn taking and trying out new language. Supporting your child to take turns playing a certain character or sharing the bricks with friends can help children to understand their emotions.

Play idea: Encourage your child and a group of friends or siblings to create a ‘mini town’ using LEGO sets (LEGO Friends sets Paisley’s House and Hot Dog Food Truck are perfect for this). And then stand back and let the play unfold. Who will choose to play each character? How will those characters interact with each other? Remember – not all kids will be able to play collaboratively without the support of an adult and they might need to take turns!

4. Fostering emotional growth

Children often use imaginative play to process emotions. For example, pretending to be a superhero can help them feel brave, while role-playing as a parent can help them work through feelings of being cared for or caring for others. When they express feelings through their pretend scenarios, they’re learning how to identify, understand and cope with different emotions.

Play idea: Suggest that your child acts out their day using LEGO characters, building a mini version of their school or home. You can help them role-play, and they’ll be able to explore any emotions or situations that might have come up during the day.

5. Encouraging independence

In imaginative play, children take on different roles and make decisions about what happens next in their scenarios. Whether they’re deciding the best way to build a ‘fortress’ or planning a pirate’s treasure hunt, they’re making choices independently. It’s empowering for them to control their own story.

Play idea: ‘Magic up’ a pirate ship from your couch and cushions and use LEGO pieces to create sea creatures (your child could use the LEGO Classic Creative Monsters set to make awesome sea monsters). Then let your child decide what happens on the voyage. They might steer the ship to Treasure Island or decide to escape a shark – whatever they choose, they’re practicing decision-making skills. Nice!

How Parents Can Encourage Imaginative Play

Want to get your little one started on their own imaginative journey? Here are some simple ways to help your child dive into a world of pretend (mess and all)…

1. Set the stage, then step back

Provide simple materials like LEGO DUPLO bricks, costumes or everyday household items and let your child take the lead. If they’re playing ‘construction site’ with LEGO bricks, allow them to decide where each piece goes. Offer gentle prompts if they need them but resist the urge to direct their play. They’ll learn best when they’re in charge.

2. Create play spaces

Transform a corner of the room into a themed play space with just a few items like blankets for fort-making or boxes of LEGO bricks for building. Creating a dedicated space shows that imaginative play is encouraged and that they have the freedom to get creative.

3. Join in the fun… sometimes!

While it’s great to let your child play independently, they’ll love it if you join in. Ask them about their stories or take on a role in their adventure. You might be surprised by the creativity they unleash when they have a willing participant.

4. Use open-ended materials

Provide materials that can be used in lots of different ways. LEGO bricks are perfect for this, as they can transform into anything – whether it’s a zoo, a space station or a time machine! Open-ended materials encourage children to think creatively and make their own decisions, rather than following a set of instructions.

Imaginative play is more than just a way to pass the time. It’s a chance for children to develop crucial skills, explore emotions and expand their creativity. By providing them with the tools, space and encouragement to play pretend, you’re giving them a foundation for learning that will benefit them in so many ways.