Which activity demonstrates symbolic thinking by labeling a created representation as something it stands for?

• A. Draws various shapes and says, 'This is my house.'
• B. Glues red yarn on paper and says, 'I made spaghetti.'
• C. Sees a dump truck outside and plans how to draw it.
• D. Puts beads in a muffin tin and pretends cupcakes.

Answer: (B)

Symbolic thinking is when a child uses a representation to stand for something else and clearly identifies what it represents. In this case, the child creates a piece of art by gluing red yarn on paper and then says it is spaghetti. By naming the created artwork as spaghetti, the child is treating the crafted piece as a symbol for the real object, showing understanding that symbols can stand in for things not present.

The other activities involve either planning to depict something seen or engaging in pretend play with objects, but they don’t demonstrate explicitly labeling a created representation as the thing it stands for.