At what developmental stage do children often engage in 'pretend' play as a way of understanding the world?

Children typically engage in 'pretend' play most significantly during the ages of 3 to 5 years. At this developmental stage, known as the preschool or early childhood stage, children begin to explore their environment and their understanding of the world through imaginative play. This form of play allows them to express their feelings, practice social roles, and explore various scenarios in a safe setting.

During this age range, children are increasingly capable of using symbolic thinking, where they can represent objects and situations with other items or actions in their play. For instance, a child may use a banana as a phone or a cardboard box as a car, demonstrating their cognitive ability to transform their environment creatively. Engaging in pretend play helps children develop their problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and social skills by interacting with peers in meaningful ways.

Though pretend play begins before age 3, it becomes more complex and sophisticated between ages 3 and 5, making this the key period for its development.