What are children doing when they pretend? Professor of psychology Caren Walker talks to India about the complex work going on when children pretend.
Pretend play is important work for young children. In this bonus episode of child Professor Caren Walker explains how, when they explore pretend scenarios, whether fantastic or mundane, children are practising an important skill that we use all the time as adults. They are reasoning about the consequences of an action. A vital part of planning.
Presented by: India Rakusen.
Producer: Ellie Sans
Assistant Producer: Charlotte Evans-Young
Executive producer: Alex Hollands
Commissioning Exec: Paula McDonnell
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Original music composed and performed by The Big Moon and Eska Mtungwazi
Mix and Mastering by Chris Maclean
A Goldhawk Production for Radio 4
Eight fascinating facts about happiness
Podcast
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Child
Child returns for the next chapter of the story of all of us all.


