Real and pretend in media — Media, 4–6 years
Media can show something that happened, or create a story that only exists in imagination. We practise looking for clues instead of believing every picture is a record of real life.
Some media is made up
A camera may record a real dog running across a garden. A cartoon may show a dog talking, which is pretend. Both can be enjoyable, but they do not make the same promise. One records a moment; the other creates an imagined one.
Why spot the difference?
Knowing whether something is real or pretend helps us use it wisely. A pretend dragon can be part of a story, while a real warning about a hot oven needs careful attention. The difference matters because each kind of message asks something different from us.
Looking for clues
Sam sees a video of a cat wearing a tiny hat and riding a bicycle. First, he notices that the cat’s legs do not move like a person’s. Next, he sees bright cartoon stars added on the screen. He decides it is a pretend scene, perhaps made with editing.
Looking real is not proof
A picture can look very much like a real event, so believing it straight away is a reasonable first reaction. But pictures can be acted, edited or made with drawings. Ask a trusted adult when you are unsure, especially if the picture makes you worried or tells you to do something risky.
Stories and records
At home or in a library, you may see a family video, a nature photograph and a fantasy story. The video and photograph can help you remember or observe something; the story can help you imagine. You can enjoy all three while knowing what kind each one is.
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