im·ag·i·na·tion
/iˌmajəˈnāSH(ə)n/
noun
The faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects.
When children use their imagination in play, they are developing crucial psychological and emotional capacities that help them understand the world in which they live and their relation to it; they are learning to solve problems, create new possibilities, even change the world.
It provides an opportunity for kids to practice and develop their language and social skills. It boosts the development of problem-solving and self-regulation skills.