Thinking of Children
The thinking of children is not unlike the problem-solving process of the adult. It is natural that children should confuse the real with the ative and should fail to see certain cause-and-effect relation in the manner of the adult. A child may say, "Clouds are alive because they move," or he may have the idea that thinking is done e mouth.
Much of the mental life of the preschool·age child is based on :.elieve activities which, as a mode of early adjustment, allow carry on thinking without much effort. In the growth of understanding, make-believe, fantasies, and other imaginative activities play a significant role. Around four to five years of age imaginahes a peak. Fantasies may serve the child as escape (just as etimes do for adults), or they may provide the basis for contructive ideas. Out of childhood make-believe come useful habits of thinking. Through fantasy the child is also provided with a good emotional release. As far as five-year-olds are concerned, - not lying when they say that they were chased by a bear. If a s out to be a liar, it will be for reasons other than early understanding through make-believe!
