4 years old
Imagination Takes Center Stage
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 4 year old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello there, wonderful parent!
WOW, 4 years old? can you believe it! Suddenly, there’s a whirlwind of words, ideas, and curiosity soaring through the air at home. You've probably heard some amazing tales and perhaps a few surprising negotiation tactics. They may be trying to push the boundaries that little bit more, checking to see how many "1 mores" they can get or actually how long is 5 minutes more.
Sometimes your 4 year old may be going through a bit of a tough time, and you can wonder "what am I raising, have I done something wrong". But then all of a sudden, they come back to you, with a few new skills. A big brain burst of activity, and they just seem so much older.
This month is all about weaving imagination into the playful chaos that fills your days. Those big dreams and endless stories they share? Tiny seeds of creativity and connection (and a little humor to keep us on our toes).
Remember, you’re doing enough. All those small, everyday moments you share matter deeply. And if you’re in the mood for a few fresh ideas, here are some simple, fun activities. No pressure. Everything in your own time.
Activity 1: Draw & Tell a Story
How: Invite your child to draw a picture about anything they like. Once they’re done, ask them to tell a story about their drawing. Listen with interest as they narrate their unique tale. Remember, sometimes they may make a whole story, sometimes they could of played the story out in their heads while drawing and other times, there just isn't a story. Its all just invitations, drawing itself is always a wonderful activity.
Why: This encourages imagination and language development. Narrating stories helps build their narrative skills and understanding of sequencing, an early foundation for literacy.
To Extend: Make a story book. staple some pages together and work with them to narrate a story, writing down their story on the pages. Guide the flow of the story with "who, where" and "what happened next" after the narration they can illustrate their story. They will be so proud to read their own story, again and again.
Activity 2: Mission Obstacle Adventure
How: Set up a simple obstacle course using what you have; cushions to jump over, chairs to crawl under, a line to balance along, and a “finish point.”
Turn it into a mission:
“You have to rescue the toy!”
“Quick! Get through the jungle!” 🌿
“The floor is lava!” 🔥
They can run, crawl, jump, balance, and repeat it again and again (and they will 😄). You can join in or let them take over and redesign the course themselves.
Why:
💪 Builds strength, coordination, and balance
🧠 Encourages planning and problem-solving
🎯 Supports focus and persistence
🎭 Adds imagination to movement (which keeps them engaged longer)
It’s more than just running… it becomes a full adventure, which is exactly what keeps 4-year-olds hooked ✨
You can also do this at your local park (if there isn't too many other kids there), my daughters love me mapping out a "ninja" course to do on the play equipment, to get from one side of the park to the next; go up the slide, then down the slide, then up the slide and across the bridge down the stairs, under the swings...
If they are competitive add a timer, its not about the end time, just the excitement.
Song of the month: Slippery fish
Slippery fish, slippery fish,
Swimming in the water,
Slippery fish, slippery fish,
Swimming in the water,
gulp, gulp, gulp...
Oh no! He was eaten by an octopus! 🐙
Octopus, octopus,
Swimming in the water,
Octopus, octopus,
Swimming in the water,
gulp gulp gulp
oh no! he was eaten by a tuna fish!
oh no! he was eaten by a great white shark!
oh no! he was eaten by a humongous whale!
gulp gulp buuurrrp!
Kids love this one, the continued excitement of who's going to be eaten next and burp at the end gets everyone.
Book of the Month: Green Eggs and Ham: Dr Suess
A fun, repetitive story that little ones quickly start to join in with 😄 The playful rhyme and rhythm make it perfect for reading aloud, and the persistence of Sam-I-Am always gets a smile.
It’s a great one for building language, confidence, and gently exploring the idea of trying something new ✨
Did You Know?
Story telling builds planning skills! When children create a story, they’re practicing the ability to plan, organise their thoughts, and explain ideas. So, each time they tell you a fantastical adventure, they’re developing crucial cognitive skills. Amazing how imagination can stretch those thinking muscles!
Social & Emotional Skill Building
This month, let’s honor their storytelling by not correcting their story. Just listen, it’s their space to explore.
Saying things like:
“Wow, that’s an exciting part!”
“What happens next?”
“It sounds like your hero is having quite the adventure!”
This validates their creativity and builds confidence. It tells them, “Your ideas matter, and I’m here for them.”
✨ Remember You’re not crafting a masterpiece; you’re exploring a beautiful, creative mess with your child. Their imagination, your presence, and those spontaneous moments; they are the foundation of lasting connection and endless learning.
You’re doing beautifully. 💛