Özet:

This theoretical paper sheds light on the interrelatedness between play, imagination, and creativity, and the importance of realizing this interrelatedness in early childhood education. Based on a thoughtful review of relevant literature, I suggest that children’s play manifests and prompts their imagination and creativity. In addition, I argue that play is a fundamental element in teaching and learning that has the potential to change the classroom environment into an expansive and creative environment. In that space, we can see a real educative play that can “engage, intrigue, interest, puzzle, and enchant” (Jardine et al, 2003, p. 22). Imagination, play, and creativity are necessarily interrelated and interwoven as one fabric; they complete and prompt each other, and together they support learning, opening the door to the possible and the not-yet experienced.

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