Today has been brought to you from the shop at the end of the room

My Daughter, like most toddlers, loves to 'pretend'. An important part of development, but also so much fun!

We took 'Bear bear' for a push in the pram down to the 'shop' at the end of the room. Now, having a exceptionally long living room, does make this journey a little more scenic that you would think! ;) On the way we passed the 'doggies having dinner' in the ironing basket cafe, and the baby on the Ironing board swing (cardigan in case you were wondering!)

The landscape was wonderful - a bright, warm sun above us (Thank you 60w bulb) and some pretty flowers in the distance (floral wallpaper is cool, I tell you!)

Once at the shop at the end of the room, we met the colourful but quiet shopkeeper, who bore an amazing resemblance to Iggle Piggle! His wares were too much to resist - biscuits and apples, cups of juice and........dolls house furniture! Oh yes! With so many bargains to be had, we had soon spent all our chocolate buttons, and it was time to return home, carrying our purchases carefully so not to wake the now snoozing 'Bear bear'.

A lovely walk back past the flowery beds, and the swing, now empty. Past the ironing basket cafe, closed for the day and then home. Ready for biscuits, apples, juice and... a play with the dolls house!

What a lovely day! We may go back tomorrow!

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The mind of a child fascinates me, and imaginative play like this, reminds me just how important play is for a childs development. Play can assist with language development, which was really helpful when we were concerned about Little Ones speech - It is amazing what words they pick up when playing games, singing rhymes and songs, role playing, using toys,and even messy play. Play helps children learn how to interact with others, aiding social development and of course, more physically, develops manipulative and fine motor skills.

Pretend play is extremely important. As they grow, children remember events, roles, and even emotions from these scenarios, and these, in turn help develop organisational, problem solving, memory and communication skills, as well as teaching how to express their feelings, and building on their creativity and imagination.

'We're going on a bear hunt' is a favourite book that encourages pretend play - Little One loves bears, and we have been known to use hula hoops as 'puddles' boxes and cushions to climb over and chairs with sheets to go under! (Idea borrowed from a nursery - and great fun it is too!)

Dressing up is also great for role playing - I have 2 boxes full of costumes - One day the children might be witches and devils, the next fire fighters and princesses! You can be anything, and anyone if you use your imagination!

We have endless teddy bear picnics, play 'Mums and babys', or pretend we're making lunch for the toys using playdough, and a tea set!

Great fun and educational all at the same time....now, I think the bears are ready for tea now, so must dash...have fun won't you!

I have entered this post into the learning through play log hop sponsored by MEGA Bloks at Tots100.

Photo courtesy of morguefile