Symbolic play is a type of play where children use their imagination to represent objects, actions, or ideas. During this play, a child might use a stick as a sword or pretend a box is a car. This form of play helps develop cognitive skills, language, and social understanding as children create scenarios and roles. In symbolic play, children often engage in role-playing, where they act out different characters or situations. For example, they might pretend to be a doctor treating a patient or a teacher instructing a class. This type of play fosters creativity and helps children learn about the world around them.