You are
right - it's a great pretend play tool. You can buy a cash register and then
some plastic pretend foods and set up a mini shop or restaurant at home. Not
only is it great for their imagination but also good for learning to count money
etc. Amazon stock
the one we bought for around $26, take a look;
I really disagree. I think our kids today have become too fixated on quick fix electronic games, computers, gadgets etc and I don't really count that as play. In terms of learning, the academic demands on our kids time has increased dramatically over the last 2 decades, so it seems like we are stuck between 2 extremes and I think we need to reclaim some middle ground, where kids re-learn how to enjoy creative play that doesn't involve electricity.
It's a
lovely idea. Walmart do a lovely colorful set that's around $21.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Make-Your-Own-Puppets-Kit/11035967
If you
don't' want to spend much you can always look on the internet for ideas about
making your own from scratch.
You can use
a cheap felt material and then either a glue gun or stapler to stick the 2
sides once you cut it out of a template. Your kids can have fun sticking
decorations on the puppets or using fabric pens to decorate them.
Take a look
at the Simple Kids website. I really like her ideas that come with photos for
role play type games with the kids, without having to spend a lot.
http://simplekids.net/creative-pretend-play-props-and-ideas/
This game is
a great one to play with kids on a wet afternoon stuck indoors. Basically use
their toys to turn an area of the house into a toy store. Get the kids involved
in choosing the games they would like to 'sell'. Write prices lists and stick
them somewhere that the kids can see and reach ie Lego sets - $4, Dolls - $2
If you don't
have any pretend money, you can make your own with the kids, then divide up the
tasks and let them enjoy many hours of pretend shopping.
You are
totally right. Pretend play doesn't need a big spending spree to make it fun.
Kids just love using household items for their games. It makes them feel big
and grown up. Here are some examples;
Boxes ie
cardboard
Dressing up
clothes - old shoes, hats and scarves
Blankets and
bottles
Kitchen
equipment
No! in a way
it's a great thing that they are fighting as it's giving them the chance to
learn to problem solve and compromise. Pretend play is like a snap shot of
reality and your kids can learn some very effective skills that will help them
in school and with friendships.
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