Dramatic Play
This area of the play room is like the heart of a city. All children flock to it regardless of age!
But why?
The one thing all children love the most is their grown ups they want to be like them and understand them. You will see children washing fruits, tidying up, and acting out scenes like "daddy's home!"
To the surface this just looks like fun play, it is play but it is also so much more. The children practice their fine motor skills (future writing skills) when they turn the knobs or cut the fruit. We see them using their cognitive skills when they recall how their parents get birthday parties ready and act out "please sit while I serve the cake." This play also works on a childs socio-emotional skills, the children must work together to act out scenes (turn-taking, planning, and problem solving)
How do I expand on this play?
When I watch your children play and I talk to them I learn of their interests and abilities. For instance if during our small group time one our friends mentioned he saw a fire fighter save a cat, I would ask "what do you think firefighters do?" My next step would be to add a firefighter hat and jacket in the dramatic play area. If the children are all interested in the new activity we would read a firefighter book, discuss fire safety, and have a firefighter lead our monthly fire drill.
