Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What type of play activity should a nurse recommend for a preschooler to promote social development?

1. Play pat-a-cake

2. Using a push-pull toy

3. Creating a scrapbook

4. Playing dress-up

The correct answer is: Playing dress-up

Playing dress-up is an effective activity for promoting social development in preschoolers because it encourages imaginative play, role-taking, and interaction with peers. During dress-up, children can assume various roles and engage in scenarios that reflect real-life situations, such as being a doctor, a firefighter, or a parent. This role-playing allows them to explore social roles and develop communication skills as they negotiate roles and rules with their peers. Moreover, engaging in such cooperative play fosters teamwork and social skills, including sharing, taking turns, and empathizing with others' feelings during play. Through these interactions, preschoolers learn about social norms and practices in a fun and engaging way, which is fundamental during this developmental stage. While pat-a-cake can promote hand-eye coordination and social interaction, it is less dynamic than dress-up play. Utilizing push-pull toys primarily develops gross motor skills rather than social interaction. Creating a scrapbook may foster creativity but is typically a solitary activity and does not inherently promote social interactions with others. Therefore, playing dress-up stands out as the optimal choice for nurturing social development among preschoolers.