Imaginative Play - Why Your Child Needs It & How to Encourage It

On-Demand Class · Supporting development

Imaginative play is critical for development, yet children are doing less of it. Learn about this type of play, how it evolves from babyhood on, how it supports your baby's brain development, and how you can encourage it.

Class Description

In this class we will explore together what imaginative play is using both text, images and talking you through the ideas with thought provoking questions. The class is split into six sections, so you can watch each chapter at a time that is convenient for you. We delve deeply into the stages of play development from simple to complex play and how they develop and what to look for and notice as your child plays and grows in their learning. Theory of mind is how we think about what others are thinking and all the loops and connections that occur in a child's brain as they play and learn with you is explained in section three. What role imaginative plays in cognitive development, the connections that happen in their brains as they act out and experiment in the play scene is explored in chapter four. Chapter five reveals the wonderful benefits of imaginative play that happen as your child and you explore the realm of imaginative play world together. Finally, we give you a springboard of ideas to investigate and play together as part of your everyday routines through the power of engaging in play. We play, connect and learn at play with a purpose.

Sessions Overview

  1. Defining Imaginative Play: In this class we will explore together what imaginative play is using both text, images and talking you through the ideas with thought provoking questions. Let's dive in to discovering and investigating imaginative play!
  2. Exploring the Stages of Play: In session two, we delve deeply into the stages of play development from simple to complex play and how each stage develops and what to look for and notice as your child plays and grows in their learning.
  3. How Children Learn About Others Through Play: Theory of mind is how we think about what others are thinking, all the loops and connections that occur in a child's brain as they play and learn with you and others. Imaginative play is a perfect opportunity to learn more about what others are thinking and this is explained in detail in section th…
  4. The Role of Imaginative Play in Cognitive Development: What role imaginative play has and how it impacts on cognitive development, the enhancing, the connections that happen in their brains. The potential problem solving skills they develop as they act out and experiment in the play scene is explored in chapter four.
  5. Developmental Benefits of Imaginative Play: Chapter five reveals the wonderful benefits of imaginative play that happen as your child and you explore the realm of imaginative play world together. The interests, the relationships, the memories that you will always hold dear as you watch and play.
  6. How to Support Imaginative Play: Finally in our last session, how do we as parents support imaginative play? I give you a springboard of ideas to investigate and play together as part of your everyday routines through the power of engaging in play. We play, connect and learn through play with a purpose.

Your Instructor

Tina Bambury

My name is Tina. I live in Murray Bridge, South Australia. I have three children all grown up now and was once a young mum with three children under 5. Looking back, as a new parent when my eldest child was born I felt a deep connection to them however I was also finding it tricky to get them to settle and sleep peacefully. In reflection, as time went by and with having more children, I noticed that there were many tips along the way that were missing for young families that would have been helpful in my own parenting journey. With this life experience and since going back to school and embarking on a whole new world of learning in Early Childhood and Parenting Education, it led to me developing a heartfelt desire to give practical tips and knowledge to families with young children through classes, products and resources. One of the most important aspects of my classes is that you as a parent, child or participant feel welcome, and that there is a felt sense of harmony and peace in the atmosphere. Trust in me and what I will provide for you is vital as without trust it is difficult for anyone to learn or relax. Our relationship is key to you feeling supported and nurtured. One of my specialties is personalising, tailoring and customising my classes and resources to your child and families' needs or requests. I believe that every child and family is different and has differing and diverse needs, home routines and cultural traditions. Therefore, offering a personalised service makes a big difference to the families I work with. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to offer my classes through Baby Sparks and look forward to meeting you.

Degrees and Certifications

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) University of New England Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Child & Family) University Western Sydney Circle of Security Trained Facilitator Yoga for Children with Additional Needs (25 hours) & GroovaRoo Dance Trained PCMG Facilitator

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