The authors discuss the association between make-believe play and the development of executive-function (EF) skills in young children. Some forty years ago, Lev S. Vygotsky first proposed that make-believe fosters the development of symbolic thought and self-regulation. Since then, a small body of research has produced evidence of an association…

Examined cross-sectional trends and contextual influences in the development of private speech among preschool children in Montessori and traditional classrooms. Found that diminished make-believe play, greater teacher direct involvement, and heightened time spent in transitions largely accounted for a lower incidence of private speech. (JS)