Realistic looking play food helps children begin to understand the concept of pretend play. They are more likely to pretend play with objects they are already familiar with; such as food they know, as opposed to novel, abstract things.
Many pieces in each set so children can incorporate counting and repetition into play.
Communicative:
Realistic-looking play food helps children begin to understand the concept of pretend play.
Enough food in each set that children can begin parallel play playing with the same item next to each other, but not interacting and then cooperative play as skills develop.
Encourages full sentences by asking for items using descriptive words.
Realistic food enables children to learn to recognize real items in a store, restaurant or at home.
Physical:
Encourage a child who may have a weaker side to use both hands and arms in play.
Food in the basket encourages children to bring their arm up and reach into the basket to retrieve a food item promoting range of motion in the arms.
Sensory:
Distinct texture adds to realism and aids children with visual impairments.