Let's Go to the Supermarket! II
Parent and child engage in a pretend supermarket shopping game, using imagination and props to act out a familiar routine. The agent coaches the parent to observe how the child incorporates others into play and imitates adult actions, building cognitive skills in symbolic thinking and social imitation.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Clear play space with props: basket/bag, pretend food items (empty boxes, toy food), pretend money (paper, cards), optional small table for checkout. Parent and child seated or standing in play area.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by telling your child, 'Let's pretend we're going to the supermarket!' Give them the shopping basket. Now ask, 'Who should come with us? Would you like to bring a teddy bear or a doll to the supermarket?' Watch how your child responds. Does they choose a companion? Does they talk to the toy or include it in the game idea? Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Child includes a toy, pet, or imaginary friend in the pretend play scenario, showing expansion of imaginative play beyond self.
- 2~40s
Now let's start shopping! Set out a few pretend food items. Ask your child, 'How does Mommy/Daddy pick groceries at the supermarket?' Watch closely as your child responds. Does they mimic how you select items — looking at them, putting them in the basket, maybe checking a list? Look for those little imitations of adult actions. What do you see?
Watch for: Child copies adult behaviors during pretend play, such as examining items, placing them in basket, or using shopping gestures.
- 3~45s
Let's move to the checkout counter! Set up your table or designated spot. Ask your child, 'What happens at the checkout?' See if they initiates actions like scanning items, bagging groceries, or exchanging money. Watch for how your child expands the play — does they create dialogue? Involve the toy companion? Add unexpected imaginative elements? Describe what unfolds.
Watch for: Child creates extended pretend sequences involving multiple steps, roles, and possibly incorporating companions.