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In the instructors' guide for the Exchange Classroom Clips, "Early Symbolization: A Case of Learning through Pretense," George Forman observes...

"Research on pretend play documents how children learn about real world events by collaboratively inventing a script. In acting out the script and making changes that are consistent with the shared knowledge of the group, children construct an understanding of social roles, physical events, and rules of good communication."

In reviewing the video clip that accompanies this guide, Forman comments:

" . . . we observe how children assume, maintain, and develop leadership roles, as they create and act out pretend play scripts. We also observe . . . the difficulty props present when they do not resemble their symbolic referent and how children help one another accept a particular prop as a symbol. Most significant of all, we observe how competent children are at maintaining the flow of pretend play."

With all the pressure being brought to bear to achieve academic skills through direct instruction, let's not give up on the amazing power of play and imagination.

�" Contributed by Exchange, The Early Childhood Leaders' Magazine Since 1978

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