A study, sponsored by the company that makes Barbie dolls, published in the journal "Developmental Science" found that:
“When children create imaginary worlds and role play with dolls, they communicate at first out loud and then internalize the message about others' thoughts, emotions and feelings,”
Roughly translated as:
When children create fantasy worlds and play pretend with dolls, they first talk out loud, then absorb information about other people's thoughts, feelings, and sensations and transform them. they become a part of us.
Indeed, if you have the opportunity, try quietly (and sometimes even secretly) observing your children while they are playing with toys, you will hear long, sometimes very long, and humorous conversations. funny again. The words, tone, and details are all gleaned and pieced together from what children see and hear every day, from the people around them. Sometimes you can see your own way of talking and behaving in endless conversations coming from your child's imagination. That's very interesting!
Research further shows that the above can create long-term positive effects on children, such as increasing the ability to handle emotions and compassion, which will later be accepted and turned into children. become a part of the child.
Although this is only a small study conducted with 33 boys and girls aged 4-8 years old, the conclusions drawn are quite consistent with what we learned and witnessed during the classroom process. . For preschool children, their imagination is limitless – a rock can be a turtle, a diamond; a piece of wood can be a camera or an iron; A chair can be a car, a house pillar, or a fence, etc. A doll is not only a baby for the child to play with and change clothes, but also a younger sibling for the child to care for and cherish. , whispering – a companion who accompanies children growing up, experiencing small joys and sorrows, listening to childhood feelings.
That fantasy world, although it changes when children get older, but in general, it still permeates and waters children's souls, helping them to be surrounded by beauty, kindness, and love. , to then form kindness deep within them, which is the beginning of the lesson of being human.
Written by: Trang Tran (Team Play at Home)
Reference source: https://amp.theguardian.com/society/2022/feb/06/playing-dolls-helps-children-talk-about-how-others-feel-study
