11/30/2023 0 Comments Fantastical thinkingThis stage slowly changes as the child matures into early adolescence and the bridge between the imagination and reality forms. This is also supported by Piaget’s theory that the intelligence of toddlers into early childhood is measured through symbols, language, and memory. ![]() In both experiments, the children shown the magical film outperformed their peers on creative tasks. In both experiments, children were shown either a magical film or a non-magical film and then instructed to do creative tasks. In 2010, a study was done with 4- 6-year-old children and replicated with 6-8-year-old children. A research study showed that fantastical thinking positively impacted children’s cognitive development in creativity and art (Subbotsky, Hysted, & Jones, 2010). These fantasies are not only a developmental milestone but also have been supported by psychologists as beneficial to cognitive development. Magical thinking is part of early childhood whether it’s in stories we read or giving inanimate objects human characteristics or pretending to be an astronaut on an alien planet while walking through the backyard. Parents in Waldorf schools often wonder what is healthy magical thought and what leads to feelings of distrust or confusion of real and imaginary later in life. As we have adapted to meet the needs of our culturally diverse students we have added myths and legends from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to our already robust European literary canon. ![]() Waldorf education in particular focuses its early childhood pedagogy on storytelling and folk tales. Stories that bring to life Santa Claus, Befana, the Yule Lads, Jia Deng, and so many other mythical beings are told to children throughout the holiday season and much of the year. This time of year always elicits questions from parents about the use of magical lore in childhood and its benefits and disadvantages.
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