When a Child Pretends: Understanding Pretend Play, narrated by Joanne Woodward, was shown on more than 100 public television stations in 1999–2000. Widely used in educational settings, the video has been shown across the United States, in the People's Republic of China and on U.S. military bases around the world.

The video shows scenes of children 4 years to 11 engaged in pretending, with primary focus on the younger ages. The viewer sees children in play sequences that require planning, negotiating, collaborating, taking roles and developing narratives. In these sequences, children use toys and other objects in the development of their scenarios. They explore ways of using language and the imaginative "as if" thinking that leads to advanced intellectual functioning. We witness children deeply engaged in activities that are enjoyable as well as productive. The learning that takes place during play is seen in the child's increasing ability to think hypothetically, to reason and to function effectively as a social being in a complex world.

Increasing pressures to begin formal academic work in the preschool years and misunderstanding of the nature of play have coalesced to diminish the time and attention given to creative play in the classroom and at home—a situation decried by eminent child development professionals. When a Child Pretends represents the view that pretend play is not an "add-on" but an essential arena for the child's intellectual, social, emotional and imaginative development. Vivid scenes of children at play are accompanied by explanatory narration and comments by members of the Child Development Institute.

A booklet, "When a Child Pretends," is available with purchase of the video.