April 2022

The power of pretend play

You don’t need fancy toys or tech to learn through play. Children pick up all kinds of skills when they pretend play. Take a look.

The LEGO Foundation

Pretend play is the perfect way for children to explore their feelings – and for very young children to start making sense of the world.

And while the play might be pretend, the learning that comes with it is definitely real. Here are four reasons, parents, caregivers and children can all enjoy and learn from pretend play.

1. It’s great practice for real life
2. It boosts social skills
3. It teaches mind-reading
4. It’s a safe way to explore feelings and practice reasoning

Dive into our latest news, research, blogs and project stories

March 2024 News
Celebrating the UN adoption of an International Day of Play
June 2023 Opinion
5 signs you’re (already) a playful parent
June 2022 Opinion
For families to play more, we need better policies
Playful parenting is a huge child development boost – but parents are too often over-stretched and under-supported. Here’s how systems can help families unlock the power of play.
May 2022 Opinion
8 play ideas for family wellbeing
May 2022 Opinion
Play isn’t another thing to do. It’s another way to do things
Playful parenting gives a boost to every member of the family – and it doesn’t have to feel like yet another thing on the to do list. Read one parent’s perspective on getting more play in every day

Explore the research

How can reading be more playful?
Play is a powerful tool for children's language development. Here's why playful reading is so important.
In the classroom, Future skills
The relationship between learning through play and holistic skills
Learning through play helps children develop the skills they need to thrive. And we’ve got an ever-growing body of evidence to illustrate it. Take a look.
Future skills, In the classroom
Positive play in a digital age
Children spend more time online than ever – so it is vitally important that digital platforms are a safe space to explore and learn through play. Here’s how organisations are steering industry and governments to put children’s wellbeing first.
Technology, Wellbeing
Why creativity matters and how play nurtures creative minds
Creativity is instinctive in children – and just as essential in adults. Here’s an introduction to what we know so far about why and how we should make space for children to hone creative skills.
In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Systems reform
Rebuilding systems around social and emotional learning
Social and emotional learning is every bit as vital as reading and writing - especially now. We spoke to policymakers around the world about how they’re reshaping education around these essential skills.
Future skills, Wellbeing

Let's Play

What Makes Us Special

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Mission Improbable

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Brick Music Sequence

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 4+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Unseen Guesses

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Shadows Theatre

Ages: 3-6 years

People: 2+

Duration: 15-30 minutes