What is the role of make-believe play in childrens cognitive and socioemotional development? Analyse the positions of Piaget and Vygotsky, giving particular attention to Vygotskian concepts of the ZPD and internalisation.

Play can be defined as the combination of sensory exploration and motor skills (gross and fine), which inevitably lead to the cultivation of intellectual and socio-emotional abilities. Make-believe play fosters this cultivation in an imaginary environment, making use of pre-determined roles and rules and utilizes objects symbolically.

Play through pretence is an important aspect in childrens cognitive and socioemotional development. It allows children to create safe paradigms in which they have the control and ultimately determine the outcome….(short extract)