Editing Lev Vygotsky (section)

==== Importance of play ====
Play is crucial to the social cognitive development of children and, according to Vygotsky, causes the ZPD to be the most effective. He thought that if he could define the features of play he could gain insight into its role in development. Vygotsky focused on the symbolism of play to describe how play shapes development. There were two important aspects that Vygotsky focused on.

All representational play creates an imaginary situation that permits the child to grapple with unreasonable desires. This aspect helps the child develop a sense of delayed gratification.

All representational play also it contains rules for behavior that children must follow to successfully act out the play scene. This aspect of play helps children to develop their understanding of social rules, as even the simplest play is based in rules. This expresses the understanding of rules in children. Imaginary play, in particular, develops the ability in children to process external and internal stimuli. Imagination helps children to differentiate real and imaginary objects, a task that must be practiced.

Overall, play is important in children because of the social rules that they must follow.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Berk |first=Laura E. |date=1994 |title=Vygotsky's Theory: The Importance of Make-Believe Play |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/42728322 |journal=Young Children |volume=50 |issue=1 |pages=30–38 |jstor=42728322 |issn=0044-0728}}</ref>