Investigating the Role of Pretend Play in Developing Creativity among Preschoolers

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role of pretend play in developing creativity among preschoolers in isolated, associative, and cooperative play. The participants of the study were preschoolers aged from 3.5 to 5 years. The qualitative research approach was employed to observe preschoolers during pretend play of their own choice. The play was observed through nine sessions, 45 minutes each for nine weeks, which was video recorded followed by an interview with a teacher. High and low-structure play objects were provided to the preschoolers to begin the pretend play. As a result of this, cognitive and affective processes were assessed through observation. The results showed that pretend play opens the path for preschoolers to develop creativity and the prospect of an imaginative world. They exhibited imitation, correct representation of toys, irrespective of gender-based selection of toys, and conversion from isolated to cooperative play with progressing sessions. The study concluded that plays are vital and significantly contribute to developing creativity among preschoolers. Further, it is recommended that play intervention programs be introduced and implemented across the country to develop creativity through play among preschoolers. Keywords: Early childhood development, Preschoolers, Pretend play, Creativity