Symbolic play is fundamental to the development of infants and toddlers. Through these games, children develop cognitive, emotional and social skills. In this article, we will explore what symbolic play is, how and when it appears, and discuss different types of symbolic play and activities suitable for various ages. We will also see how to approach symbolic games in educational and therapeutic contexts.
What are symbolic games?
Symbolic play, also known as representational play or imaginative play, is play in which children use objects, actions and/or ideas to represent other things. For example, a child might use a piece of wood as if it were a telephone or a car. Symbolic play is essential for the development of creativity and children’s ability to think abstractly.
When does symbolic play appear?
Symbolic play usually begins to manifest itself around 18 months of age, although it may vary among children. As children grow and develop, symbolic play becomes more complex and involves different stages and types of play.
Stages of symbolic play
- Imitation play: At around 18 months, children begin to imitate adult actions and behaviors, such as talking on the telephone or driving an imaginary car.
- Role-play: From 2 to 3 years of age, children begin to assume roles and characters, such as being a doctor, teacher or superhero.
- Construction play: As children reach the age of 3, they begin to create scenarios and structures using blocks and other building materials.
Types of symbolic games
There are different types of symbolic games, which can be classified according to the activity, the context or the material used. Some examples include:
- Role-playing games: Where children assume different characters and act out real life or imaginary situations.
- Construction games: In which children build structures using blocks, LEGO or other building materials.
- Art and creativity games: In which children create works of art, music or literature to express ideas and emotions.
- Narrative games: In which children create and tell stories through imaginary characters, settings and plots.
Symbolic play according to Piaget
Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget was one of the first to study symbolic play in depth. According to Piaget, symbolic play is a fundamental part of children’s cognitive development, as it allows them to understand abstract concepts and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The importance of symbolic play
Symbolic play is crucial for the development of cognitive, emotional and social skills in children. Some of the benefits of symbolic play include:
- Language development: Through symbolic play, children expand their vocabulary and improve their communication skills by expressing ideas and emotions.
- Creativity and imagination: Symbolic play fosters children’s creativity and imagination by allowing them to explore and experiment with different scenarios, characters and situations.
- Problem solving and critical thinking: Children who engage in symbolic play develop skills to approach problems and challenging situations in a creative and thoughtful way.
- Emotional and social development: Symbolic play helps children understand and express their emotions, as well as develop social skills such as empathy, teamwork and perspective taking.
Symbolic play in early childhood education
In early childhood education, it is essential to incorporate symbolic play activities and opportunities in the classroom. Some strategies for encouraging symbolic play in educational settings include:
- Create themed play areas, such as a kitchen, store, hospital or fire station.
- Provide materials and toys that encourage imagination and creativity, such as costumes, puppets, blocks and recycled objects.
- Incorporate symbolic play into classroom activities and lessons, such as dramatizing stories or creating scenarios with objects and materials.
- Encourage collaboration and interaction among children through group games and activities.
Symbolic Play in Therapeutic Contexts: Montessori and Autism
Symbolic play can also be used in therapeutic contexts, such as in the Montessori approach and in intervention with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Montessori Method: In the Montessori approach, children are encouraged to explore and learn through symbolic play and hands-on activities. Montessori materials are designed to foster imagination, creativity and critical thinking, which promotes children’s cognitive and emotional development.
- Autism: For children with ASD, symbolic play can be a valuable tool to improve their social and communication skills. Through adapted symbolic play activities, children with autism can learn to express and understand emotions, develop empathy and practice social interaction skills.
Symbolic play activities for children from 2 to 3 years of age
Here are some symbolic play activities for children ages 2 to 3 years old:
- Play house: Children can assume roles as parents, siblings, doctors and more, using everyday objects to act out different situations.
- Dramatization of stories: Children can reenact scenes from their favorite stories using costumes, puppets or dolls.
- Cooking games: Provide toy cooking utensils and plastic food for children to imitate preparing and eating meals.
- Store and market games: Children can take on the role of sellers or buyers, exchanging objects and play money.
- Transportation games: Children can play with toy cars, trains and airplanes, recreating transportation and travel situations.
- Dress up games: Encourage them to try different costumes and accessories, assuming different roles and characters.
Symbolic play for children with high abilities
Children with high abilities can especially benefit from symbolic play, as it allows them to explore and deepen areas of interest and advanced skills. Some symbolic play activities for children with high abilities include:
- Creation of imaginary worlds: Stimulates the creation of universes, characters and rules of their own, encouraging storytelling and critical thinking.
- Strategy and logic games: Features board games or activities that require planning and problem-solving skills.
- Science and engineering experiments: Encourage children to perform experiments and constructions using recycled materials, developing their understanding of scientific concepts and design skills.
Symbolic play and activities for children with ASD
For children with autism spectrum disorder, it is important to adapt symbolic play activities to their specific needs. Some ideas for adapted symbolic play activities include:
- Imitation games: Encourage children to imitate simple actions and behaviors, such as brushing teeth or eating.
- Role-play with visual support: Provide cards or pictures that represent different roles and situations, helping them to understand and participate in the activity.
- Structured play activities: Design games and activities with clear rules and objectives, facilitating participation and understanding.
Conclusion
Symbolic play plays a crucial role in the cognitive, emotional and social development of children. By understanding what symbolic play is, when it appears and how it can be implemented in different contexts, we can support and enrich children’s growth and learning. From early childhood education to therapeutic intervention, symbolic play is a valuable tool that can be adapted to meet the individual needs of each child.
