Play Costume Ideas
Dramatic play equips young children with the skills necessary to build strong relationships, improve communication and to develop socially appropriate behavior by allowing them to role-play in a safe environment. Dress-up clothes provide the opportunity for the child to stretch the imagination as he assumes a new identity and acts out his favorite stories or imitates the actions of adults. Although premade costumes are always options, a dress-up box filled with a variety of items found around the house provides the basis of many hours of dress-up play.
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Tunics
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Making simple tunics in a variety of colors and designs creates a great basis for dress-up clothes. Select a piece of fabric that is 12 to 18 inches wide and twice the length of the child from her shoulder to her knee area. Tunics can fall above or below the knee if desired. Fold the material in half and cut a neck hole at the fold. Use pinking shears to cut the hem into a zigzag shape. Slip over her head and gather at her waist. Tie with braided rope or make a tie with a scrap of fabric.
Pillowcases
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Plain white pillowcases make great lab coats. Cut a neck hole in the top seam of the pillowcase. Remove stitches from the top edge of the sides to make armholes and slit the pillowcase up the front for a quick lab coat that is sure to please young kids. Add an ID badge or draw one on with permanent marker.
Nightgowns and Slips
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Old lacey nightgowns or slips make great gowns for fairies, princesses and angels. Adjust straps to the appropriate length. Add a decorative tie around the waist. You can find old nightgowns at second hand shops or yard sales for a few pennies.
Dress Shirts and Blazers
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Add a selection of adult dress shirts or blazers to the collection of dress-up clothes. Shirts make great dresses when tied at the waist or can be used as artist smocks or tunics. Look for shirts with appealing designs and colors to provide a variety of dress-up options for children.
Aprons
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Make simple aprons from a 12 inch by 12 inch square of fabric. Sew a 2-inch wide section of fabric to the top edge. Make sure the tie is long enough to fit the largest child in the group comfortably.
Hats
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Include a variety of hats. You can often find play hats for a few dollars at the dollar store, but discarded adult hats work well, too. Search second hand stores for unusual hats that will provide hours of fun.
Shoes
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Kids love clomping around in your old shoes. Provide a few pair that can be worn by either boys or girls. A pair of heels is a must for princesses. Include a pair of boots for the construction worker in the group.
Props
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Umbrellas, canes and parasols engage children in imaginative play. Clipboards and broken cell phones make the perfect addition to improve communication skills. A bucket of costume jewelry serves as accessories for young girls and as valuable jewels for boys.
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