Materials
Inexpensive washcloths, two for each child
Large needle and thread
Large movable eyes
Glue
Yarn
Fabric scraps
Cotton stuffing
Instructions
1. There are many opportunities to develop rich dramatic play in the pre-school
classroom. Consider going beyond the customary Housekeeping area, Block
Center, and so on and think about realistic themes to enhance language
development, social interaction, and creativity.
2. Following are some ideas for themes and props.
Theme: A Restaurant
Props can include menus, order pads, placemats, dishes, real or play food,
pots and pans, aprons, and a telephone. Roles include host, cook, wait staff,
and customers.
Theme: The Doctor's Office
Props can include a sign-in sheet, prescription pads, doctor tools, play money,
checkbooks, tickets, a telephone, and so on. Roles include patients, parents,
nurse, doctor, and receptionist.
Theme: A Travel Agency
Props can include office furniture, a computer, brochures, travel posters, play
money, checkbooks, tickets, and a telephone. Roles: customers and agents.
Other possible themes could be a post office, grocery store, bank, library,
bakery, and so on.
3. Invite the children to suggest themes, props, costumes, and characters.
More to do
Literacy: Record some aspects of the play, using a simple chart or encourage the
children to dictate a story. Tape Polaroid photos during the course of the
dramatic play to illustrate the chart or story. Make sure to include children's
names. For example, "This is Mary. She is the nurse."
