As adults, we sometimes forget that it is a child’s job to play. There are a few simple steps to help create a creative environment for your child to explore and reap the social, intellectual, physical and emotional benefits of dramatic playtime! Start simple. Gather old household items and give them a new life. Use a bed sheet over a table to create the ultimate hide-out. Save empty tissue boxes and use them to build towers or blockades. Paper towel rolls make wonderful telescopes and empty food containers make very effective instruments for marching and parading.

  1. Start simple. Gather old household items and give them a new life. Use a bed sheet over a table to create the ultimate hide-out. Save empty tissue boxes and use them to build towers or blockades. Paper towel rolls make wonderful telescopes and empty food containers make very effective instruments for marching and parading.
  2. Kick it up a notch. Add more fun to dramatic play with dolls (preferably washable), toy vehicles, toy planes, figurines of people and animals, plastic food and dishes, kid-size tables and chairs.
  3. Make a Dress Up Box. Save old Halloween costumes, grown-up clothes, jewelry (child-safe), shoes and hats. Continue to add to the box as your child grows, it will serve them for years to come. Remember to have fun and take photos!
  4. Be a good playmate. Allow your child to make the rules and follow their lead.
  5. Be flexible. Consider allowing your little one to have meal or a snack in or around their dramatic play scenario. Have a picnic in the living room, eat in their “spaceship” under the table or have afternoon tea with your child’s favorite stuffed animal guests.

To learn more about the importance of dramatic play, visit Early Childhood News.

By: Jeannie Chan, Teacher at Early Learning Foundations Preschool
For more than 16 years, Jeannie has brought energy and an enthusiastic spirit to her teaching style. Having worked with over 3,000 children of different strengths, learning styles, backgrounds, personalities and interests, Jeannie helps nurture young children to feel safe and confident in exploring the world and new learning experiences. Jeannie is fluent in Mandarin and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Hunter College CUNY.  She loves spending time with her husband and son, playing jacks (she is REALLY good) and watching fairy tales with a big box of tissues.

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