How to Use Dramatic Play in Teaching Children

Dramatic play can be an effective tool in stimulating important areas of kids’ development such as language, comprehension, and social skills. Follow these steps to learn how to use dramatic play in teaching children.

Instructions

1. Create a clearly defined space for children to carry out their dramatic play experiences. The area should be pleasant, well-organized, and inviting.

2. Provide a wide variety of safe, age-appropriate props for children to use. These dramatic play props should be a mix of store bought and handmade materials. Some of the items can includes boxes, dress-up clothes, pretend food, kitchen equipment, dolls, hats and toy cars.

3. Use prop boxes that contain items that encourage imaginative play of specific themes. For instance, a prop box that has a bank theme might contain things like play money, deposit slips, and checks. Whereas a prop box for a beauty shop theme might contain rollers, pretend hairdryers, combs, and curling irons.

4. Change props and equipment frequently to keep children from getting bored. This can be accomplished by adding and removing items, or periodically rearranging the dramatic play area.

5. Allow children enough time to enjoy their experiences each day so that they can develop new concepts, expand on existing concepts and stretch their imaginations.