Imaginary worlds…

Garden photo

Photo: Andrea Nolan

Being an only child for the first seven years of my life I created highly imaginary play spaces where I would spend much of my time absorbed in the complexity of my thoughts. Everyday objects at hand became props to the worlds that I built in my mind, as I acted out the characters. I have many memories of these happy and engaging times that have definitely influenced the way I think today as an adult. Research acknowledges imaginary play as providing rich opportunities for young children’s intellectual development including problem-solving, concept formation and creativity. This is the power of imaginary play and acts as a foundation for all learning.

Andrea

Andrea Nolan is Professor of Early Childhood Education at Deakin University and is a member of the School of Education Early Childhood Teaching and Research Group.

Leave a Reply