What imitation is and why it matters
Imitation means copying what someone else does or says. Children use it to learn how to move, play, talk and behave in social situations. Watching and copying a caregiver is one of the main ways young children pick up new skills, from waving goodbye to using a spoon.
Imitation usually develops in a rough order: copying simple body movements and actions with objects first, then sounds, then words and more complex pretend play. Preschoolers typically enjoy copying and being copied, which makes it easy to turn into games.
Examples of imitation in children
- A child claps after seeing a teacher clap.
- A child “stirs” a pretend pot after watching a parent cook.
- A child holds a toy phone to their ear and says “hello.”
- A child copies a friend’s dance move at circle time.
- A child repeats a new word they heard in a story.
These everyday moments show that imitation is part of ordinary play, not just a special exercise.
Tips to get started
- Get their attention first. Sit facing your child and reduce distractions such as the TV or loud music.
- Pick something they enjoy. A happy, relaxed child is more likely to join in.
- Do the action, then pause. Give them time to try. You can show it several times.
- Start with something familiar, then add one small change. If your child bangs a wooden spoon on a pot, try sliding it across the top.
- Be playful. Silly voices and big movements usually draw more interest.
- Take turns. Copy your child’s actions too, so it feels like a game rather than a test.
Celebrate attempts, even if the copy is not exact.
Imitation activities
Body movement games
- Copycat: Clap, stomp, pat your head or wiggle your fingers and ask your child to do the same.
- Mirror game: Face each other and move slowly, with your child copying like a mirror. Swap roles.
- Animal moves: Hop like a rabbit, stretch like a giraffe, waddle like a duck. These pair well with the dance games in the importance of dance for preschoolers.
Make sure there is open floor space with no sharp furniture corners, and slow down the pace if children are bumping into each other.
Actions with objects
- Use a spoon to tap, stir or scoop in a bowl.
- Roll a ball, push a toy car, or make a soft toy jump.
- Stack large blocks, then knock them over and ask your child to copy.
- Feed a doll with a toy spoon.
Choose objects larger than a toilet paper tube width, avoid anything with detachable small parts for children who might still mouth items, and supervise throughout. Use unbreakable items; avoid glass, sharp utensils and anything hot.
Pretend play and role play
- Cook in a pretend kitchen, copying a parent’s steps.
- Play doctor, shop or vet with simple props.
- Pretend to talk on the phone, sweep the floor or water plants (with a toy watering can). Real, child-sized versions of these tasks are covered in Montessori age-appropriate chores.
For more ideas that encourage creative pretend scenarios, see imagination activities for 5 year olds.
Songs, fingerplays and sounds
- Sing songs with actions such as “Wheels on the Bus” or “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”
- Try fingerplays like “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
- Make animal or vehicle sounds and ask your child to join in. This supports early language; the language development activities for 3 to 5 year olds page has more.
Classroom group games
- Simon Says: Practises listening and copying actions.
- Follow the leader: Children take turns leading simple movements around the room.
- Echo clapping: The teacher claps a short rhythm and the group repeats it.
- Pass the action: Each child adds one movement to a growing sequence.
Keep groups at a size that lets you see every child, and give children who prefer to watch first the option to join later.
Safety and age suitability
- Imitation activities are suitable for most preschoolers, but always match the difficulty to the child. A 3-year-old may manage single actions, while a 5-year-old may enjoy sequences.
- Do not encourage children to copy risky behaviour, such as climbing furniture, throwing hard objects or putting things in their mouths.
- Stay close during any activity that uses real kitchen tools, water or heat. Use toy versions instead.
- Check props for small parts and sharp edges before each use.
- Foods used in pretend play should be age-appropriate and cut to a safe size if eaten, with allergies in mind.
If your child is not imitating yet
Some children take longer to start copying, and many different things can influence this. If you notice that your child rarely copies actions or sounds and you are concerned, mention it to your paediatrician or an early childhood professional. They can check hearing and development and suggest next steps.
More ideas
For a wider range of thinking games, see intellectual activities for 3 year olds.