What type of play involves children engaging in distinct roles, such as parent or teacher?

The correct response is rooted in the definition of pretend play, which is a form of play where children take on roles and act out scenarios that are often based on real-life experiences or imaginations. In pretend play, children engage in activities where they embody different characters, such as a parent, teacher, doctor, or even fictional characters. This type of play is crucial for cognitive, social, and emotional development, as it encourages creativity, problem-solving, and understanding social dynamics by allowing children to explore different perspectives and roles in a safe environment.

In contrast, active play focuses more on physical movement and the body's involvement in games or sports without the specific context of role-playing. Solitary play, on the other hand, occurs when a child plays alone and does not take on a role with others, which contrasts starkly with the collaborative nature of pretend scenarios. Cooperative play involves children playing together towards a common goal but does not specifically emphasize the aspect of role assumption that is central to pretend play. Thus, the unique focus on distinct roles and the imaginative aspect of interaction validate why pretend play is the appropriate choice in this context.