The power of pretend play for children: How role play supports development

If you've ever watched your child become a shopkeeper, vet, Doctor or chef for the afternoon you'll know just how magical pretend play can be.

But there's more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye.

At Petite Street Play Village, every role play session helps children explore the world around them by stepping into someone else's shoes - whether that's a caring vet, a busy postie or a cafe assistant serving up cupcakes. While they're busy playing, they're also building essential life skills.

What Pretend play supports:

• Language development - as children narrate their play, ask questions and talk with others.

• Social skills - like turn-taking, teamwork and negotiation.

• Emotional understanding - through imagining how others feel and responding with empathy.

• Creative thinking - by inventing stories, solving problems and experimenting with new ideas.

All while having fun, making friends and letting their imaginations run wild!

It's genuinely magical to watch - and even more rewarding when you know just how much learning is happening underneath the laughter.

So, whether your child dreams of running a cafe or nursing sick animals, there's a whole world of learning waiting at Petite Street Play Village.

Pop in and play soon! we would love to see you!