Stirring Pretend Soup
Here's What To Do
1
Introduce new toys or household objects and encourage me to play pretend with them in a way that matches how they're used in real life. Examples:
- Toys like stuffed animals, toy phones, a baby doll and doll gear, toy cars, etc.
- Household objects like plastic cups and spoons, hair brush or comb, clean sponge or dishcloth
2
Play next to me with a similar toy or object.
3
If I use an object for its intended purpose, celebrate my success and confirm what I’m doing out loud.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Sit on the floor with me and give me a hug.
E
Engage:
- Demonstrate what I can do with a similar toy and encourage me to copy you. Like “Stirring, stirring, I’m stirring with a spoon!”
- “Does the teddy bear need help? Maybe she needs a hug, or a nap? Let’s take care of her!”
E
Encourage:
- “That’s right! A cup is for drinking!”
- If I’m playing with a functional object in a different way, like banging or putting in my mouth, acknowledge my play. Then demonstrate its functional use, like, “It’s fun to bang with the brush on the floor! We can also use it to brush our hair!”
R
Reflect:
- Are there some objects I know how to use correctly? Others that I’m still learning?
Not quite ready?
Keep helping me practice pretend play with props.
Ready for more?
Help me play “house” and other real-life scenarios (like using a child-size broom to play “clean up,” a play tea set to play “restaurant” and a doll to play “parent and baby.”)
As your child masters this skill...
They will begin to use more and more objects in imaginative play.