Toddler Isaac is playing in the block area. He dresses a toy bear, wraps it in a blanket, and pretends to rock it to sleep. This type of play is called:
A symbolic play.
B functional play.
C unoccupied play.
D solitary play.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. symbolic play.
Symbolic play refers to when a child uses objects, actions, or ideas to represent other objects, actions, or ideas. In this case, Isaac is using the toy bear and blanket to create a pretend scenario, where he is caring for the bear as if it were a real baby. This kind of play involves imagination and the ability to use one object to represent something else, which is a hallmark of symbolic play.
Symbolic play typically develops around 18-24 months of age, as children begin to understand that objects can be used in ways that are not directly related to their physical properties. For example, a block can become a car, a spoon can become a microphone, and in this case, a toy bear can be a baby to be rocked to sleep. This type of play is important for cognitive development, as it helps children explore different roles, practice problem-solving, and understand social concepts like nurturing or caring for others.
On the other hand, functional play (Option B) involves the use of objects for their intended purpose, like stacking blocks or pushing a toy car. Unoccupied play (Option C) refers to when a child is not actively engaged in any play, often observing others. Solitary play (Option D) is when a child plays alone, which can happen during both symbolic or functional play, but it does not describe the specific type of play Isaac is engaged in here.