Materials
Book covers
Glue
Heavy poster board
Shape stencils in different sizes
Marker
Exacto knife (adult only)
Clear contact paper
Zipper-closure storage bags
Instructions
1. This activity helps young children begin to identify with the characters in
structured make-believe, and is a first step to role playing or simple drama as
opposed to dramatic play.
2. Say the nursery rhyme out loud, inviting the children to recite it with you.
3. Then encourage the children to take turns acting out the rhyme as the others
recite it. Use the props as desired.
4. After the children become at ease acting out familiar rhymes, read a simple
story and encourage the children to act out scenes as you read.
More to do
Make up role plays using situations that are meaningful for the children.
Encourage them to make up their own parts. For example: "Today is Mike's first
day at school. What can Ben do to make Mike feel better?" (If Ben does not
know what to do, ask the other children to make suggestions. If they do not think
of something, suggest that he tell Mike his name and invite him to play). "I am
Ben. Would you like to help me build a house?" You may need to model and
give them the words several times, but soon this will be a favorite activity. Be sure
not to use the children's real names so they will understand they are role playing.
