If you just went for a checkup you might see your child take on the role of doctor. He may become an astronaut and turn the house into a spaceship after watching a movie about aliens.
During dramatic play, you will see your child take on a new role—and he would love for you to join in. Your child will use many different areas of the house as settings for dramatic play.
You should of fer many opportunities for your child to engage in role-playing and make-believe activities by having a play area in your home with seating and storage for a wide variety of props, such as boards, scrap lumber, dress-up clothes, cooking utensils, banners, signs, and other items that support dramatic play. You don’t have to go out and buy these things; simply look for unused items around your house or ask a neighbor.
Dramatic play offers opportunities for your child to use and expand his creative life skills and mimic what he sees you do. These activities will help him make meaning of his environment.
Even without any props, your child will engage in dramatic play by telling stories and acting them out. Imagine how much fun you could have participating in this important developmental skill together. Take a chance. Play a part. You’re missing out if you don’t give it a shot!
Here are some steps you can take to support dramatic play:
1. Focus on the process of dramatic play by asking questions that help to extend the experience. Your son is making honking noises as he pushes a race car on the carpet. Mom: “Where is that race car going?” or “That is a fast car. What is it honking at?”
2. Model your own creative thinking and expression by making up voices and sound effects. Using recycled items for a microphone (e.g. a can of soda).
3. When your little one says he wants to role play a character, encourage the problem-solving process by asking open-ended questions such as “What will you need to be the character?” Questions like these help your three year old recognize the creative process in himself.
