Pretend Play Free Printables

Why Is Pretend Play Important?

Pretend play, often referred to as imaginative play or make-believe play, is a hallmark of early childhood. It involves children using their imagination to create scenarios, roles, and actions that aren't present in their real environment. Play is actually the best way for children ages 0-8 to learn, and should be their primary method of learning during early ages. This type of play offers a myriad of developmental benefits for young children:

Cognitive Development:
Problem-Solving: Pretend play frequently presents challenges that children must navigate, prompting them to devise solutions or adapt scenarios to fit their narrative.
Symbolic Thinking: Using one object to represent another (e.g., using a banana as a telephone) helps children develop abstract thinking, a foundational cognitive skill.

Social Skills:
Role-Playing: By stepping into various roles, be it a doctor, a teacher, or even a dragon, children practice understanding social roles, norms, and behaviors.
Empathy: Imagining themselves in different situations and roles aids children in understanding and responding to the emotions and perspectives of others.
Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: When playing with others, scenarios might require discussing the storyline, roles, or outcomes, teaching children to negotiate, compromise, and resolve disagreements.

Language Development:
Vocabulary Expansion: Children often incorporate new words or phrases they've heard into their pretend scenarios.
Narrative Skills: Creating and articulating complex stories enhances their ability to sequence events, understand cause and effect, and utilize descriptive language.

Emotional Regulation:
Processing Feelings: Pretend play can be a safe space for children to act out fears, joys, and other emotions, helping them process and understand their feelings.
Safe Exploration: Imaginary scenarios allow children to tackle big themes, such as good versus evil, in a controlled environment, helping them navigate complex emotional landscapes.

Creativity and Imagination:
Innovation: Pretend play encourages children to create new worlds, characters, and narratives, fostering innovation and creativity.
Flexibility: Shifting roles and scenarios in play help children develop mental flexibility, adapting their thinking as the situation changes.

Related: Hemmy and Shemmy Cut-Outs

Related: Hemmy and Shemmy Rotation

What Secondary Skill is Emphasized in this Activity?

• Fine motor (cutting, and placing small pieces of paper, and coloring costumes)

What's Included in This Download?

• Two characters (Hemmy and Shemmy, brother and sister otters)
• 6 full-color costumes (e.g., pumpkin, dragon, bee, witch, astronaut, vampire)
• 6 colorable costumes (e.g., pumpkin, dragon, bee, witch, astronaut, vampire)

How Should I Use My Pretend Play Dress-up Hemmy and Shemmy Sheets?

1. Set the stage! Help kids brainstorm a scenario Hemmy and Shemmy might go through, let it be a school play, a night trick-or-treating, or an amazing night out encountering unusual beings.
2. Have kids decide if they want to use the pre-colored costumes, or color their own. Some kids may want to draw and make their own costumes, as well! Encourage kids and empower them to use their creativity.
3. If kids need it, help them to cut the pieces. There is a dashed outline for younger kids. Older kids can cut as close to the costume as they feel comfortable.
4. Let kids play, or play with them! Feel free to play with Hemmy and Shemmy often, encountering different scenarios that may mirror what children are going through in their daily lives. This will allow for a stress free way for kids to solve problems such as conflicts with friends, using their voice, or feeling brave enough to encounter new situations.