Resource Lists 

Imagination and Fantasy in Early Childhood

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This list contains a variety of resources associated with imagination and fantasy in early childhood.

IEL Resources

Web Resources

  • The Building Blocks of Dramatic Play Source: Edutopia

    More than costumes or props, young kids need time and space to work out the basics of how to collaborate. This article explains how dramatic play provides an environment to build crucial skills like negotiation, compromise, and agreement.

  • The Land of Make Believe: How and Why to Encourage Pretend Play Source: The Hanen Centre

    This article makes the connection between imaginative play and language, why to encourage pretend play, and how pretend play develops by age.

  • Look, Listen, Learn. “We Are Power Rangers!” Learning from Children’s Dramatic Play Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

    This article for early childhood educators gives a case study of preschoolers engaging in dramatic play on the playground. After reading the story and teacher reflections, you can use the Reflective Questions to deepen your thinking and shape your teaching practices.

  • Making More Time for Imaginary Play Source: PBS

    This parent resource focuses on the benefits of imaginary play including building empathy, promoting mastery over fears and stressors, improving social-interaction skills, and more.

  • The Role of Pretend Play in Children’s Cognitive Development Source: Early Childhood Research and Practice

    This journal defines the cluster of concepts related to pretend play and cognition and briefly synthesizes the latest research on the role of such play in children’s cognitive, social, and academic development.

  • Stages of Play from 24-36 Months: The World of Imagination Source: Zero to Three

    This parent resource explains how toddlers develop play skills from ages 2 to 3, and what toys and activities are appropriate for their age.

  • Supporting Language: Culturally Rich Dramatic Play Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

    This NAEYC article describes several preschool-centered dramatic play environments and how to reflect the languages and cultures of the children and families that make up the classroom and local community

About this Resource

Setting(s) for which the article is intended:
  • Child Care Center
  • Family Child Care
  • Home
  • Preschool Program

Intended audience(s):
  • Parents / Family
  • Teachers / Service providers

Age Levels (the age of the children to whom the article applies):
  • Infants and Toddlers (Birth To Age 3)
  • Preschoolers (Age 3 Through Age 5)

Related IEL Birth to Three Guidelines:
Related Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards:
Revised: 2021