In an article written by Peter Gray in November 2008, a research
professor at Boston college, he states, "play automatically induces
hypothetical reasoning. It leads us to think about pretend worlds,
where anything is possible, and to reason about those
possibilities, rather than to limit our thoughts just to things
that are true in the immediate here and now. In this way play
promotes the kind of thought that is crucial not just to all of
theoretical science but to all planning about the future, in which
we must imagine possible events and think about how we might deal
with those events."

His article and the research of others served to refute even what
researchers such as Jean Piaget have contended about play and the
ages at which abstract play is first observed. Piaget for example
contended that certain abstract play and logic was not evident
until 10 plus years of age. Grey and others have shown that it is
evident and VERY beneficial much earlier.
 
As this is about twins, I add that it is my belief that our little
ones engage in abstract play much earlier that singletons. They are
engaged socially via their proximity much earlier so my belief is
that it extends to abstract play. So the tip this week is this -
look for opportunities to create abstract play as early as
possible. In the Montessori world for example, classroom
facilitators provide numerous small figurines that children can
ascribe personality to. The figurines are selected deliberately for
their lack of specific identity so that the kids can create one.
Even toddlers can get into the game.
 
So, savor the moment with the twins. I remember growing out of the
abstract play phase. I wondered how I kept those games alive for
extended periods and if I would ever hold that wonder again.
 
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