Six Different Types of Play - #5 Fantasy Play

There are six different types of play that encourage healthy development.

1.       Cooperative: Play with peers or adults

2.       Independent: Play of an individual

3.       Active: Physical Play

4.       Constructive: Building or making things

5.       Fantasy: Pretend play

6.       Rule-based: Events that have rules

Fantasy play requires use of the imagination. Children can experiment with different roles, places, and ideas as they pretend. During fantasy play, children choose a theme, develop a story, and act it out. Often, fantasy play incorporates the use of everyday objects or props that can maintain their original purpose or transform into another item. For example, a spoon can be used to “make soup” or become a “magic wand” to grant wishes. These props help children to elaborate and extend the play. Fantasy play is very flexible. Themes for play are spontaneous and usually inspired by the children’s experiences. Pretend play may involve imitating the actions of adults or inventing original scenarios. Examples of fantasy play include taking a stuffed animal’s temperature using a crayon, playing dress-up, or pretending to be a cowboy riding a horse.

Related Training:

Recognizing Levels of Social Play (1 hour / .1 CEU)

Sensory Play - 3 hours

Learning Through Play (1 hour / .1 CEU)

Creativity in Dramatic Play - 3 hours

The Empowerment of Play for the School-Age Child - 3 hours

Outdoor Play Safety (1 hour / .1 CEU)

Making the Most of Outdoor Play - 3 hours