Materials
shoebox
wind-up toys
Instructions
1. Take a field trip to a local ice cream shop and let the children order cones.
Have an employee show the children around. If a field trip is not possible, ask
someone who works in an ice cream shop to come in and talk to the
children. Make sure they bring some samples!
2. Place two or three small tables and chairs in the housekeeping area for
dining. Place a slightly larger table in the area for preparing ice cream treats.
3. Put different colored playdough in bowls on the preparation table. Add ice
cream scoops, plates, cups, paper cones, and napkins.
4. Place aprons, hats, visors, and white shirts in the dress-up area. Ask children
to name the ice cream shop and create a sign. Post the sign near the
entrance to the area.
5. Create a menu of all the flavors available at the ice cream shop on a large
piece of poster board. Post it behind the prep table.
6. Let the children use the materials freely during center time.
7. Have an ice cream truck visit the center. The children will enjoy seeing the
truck and hearing the music. Let each child purchase an ice cream treat.
