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Playing pretend animals

Encourage your little one to get moving and play at being different animals.

Ask them to make the noises and actions that match the animals you name. Or move around the room like them.

Watch the video below for some animal-inspired role play ideas!

The benefits of playing pretend animals

  • Pretend play is excellent for encouraging children to use language and take a lead.
  • Describing an animal's movement is a fun way to link words and actions.
  • Moving like an animal is great for your little one's coordination.
  • Repeat words like 'high', 'over' and 'under' when they move around teaches them lots of position words.

How to make the most of playing pretend animals

Encourage your little one to play at being different animals. Ask them to make the noises and actions that match the animals you name.

They can slither like a snake, roar like a lion, hop like a frog, or walk like a bear on all fours.

You could ask them to make the noises and actions that match the animals you name. Or switch it up and try and guess which animal they are trying to be.

Alongside noises, you can also move around the room like your chosen animal. Repeat words like 'high', 'over' and 'under' when you move around.

Get creative! If you choose a frog, for example, you could use cushions as lily pads and blankets as water! Encourage your child and keep describing what they're doing and asking them questions to further their play.

Let your child lead in the activity and help them explore their imagination.

As well as making the sounds of animals, you can move around like them too! It's a great way for your child to keep active and to develop their coordination.

Pretend play inspiration

Your child can let their imagination run wild when it comes to pretend play, but here are some more examples of imaginary play set ups that your little one might enjoy.

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