Appropriate grades or age groups:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School

Skill set addressed:
Personal (Intrapersonal)

Materials needed (if applicable):
trucks
dolls
blocks
stuffed animals
cardboard boxes

Project instructions or description of technique:
One way to support your child? ability to find comfort with alone-time, is to provide a space in your home where your child can have imaginary play.

1. Purchase a few dolls, trucks, blocks, stuffed animals -- whatever you think your child would enjoy playing with.

2. Observe your child with these different toys.

3. Help your child extend imaginary play by responding to what toy your child is gravitating to. So, if your child likes trains, you might consider buying a train track to put the trains on. If your child likes dolls, you might consider purchasing or creating a bed or a clothing item for the doll.

4. Think of creative ways to support your child? imagination. For example, take a cardboard box and make it a little house for your child to play inside.

5. Allow your child time and space to develop a world of his or her very own.

6. A strong imagination will help your child to grow into an independent, confident free thinker.