30Apr
Dramatic play for kids is not only a lot of fun for them but can be beneficial on a number of levels as well when it comes to childhood development. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a toddler, a child of preschool age or even older children, dramatic play is definitely an activity all kids should get involved in.
What is Dramatic Play Exactly?
Dramatic play can come in various forms, such as role playing and cosplay. It’s where kids engage in make believe scenarios and stories and act them out, with each child adopting a different character. One prime example of dramatic play would be children getting involved in a school play. Dramatic play also often involves dressing up in costumes and using various props to illustrate the story.
In early education centres around Australia, dramatic play for preschoolers is a very popular method of getting kids engaged and learning.
Let’s dig deeper into dramatic play for kids and what some of the benefits are. Discover why you should encourage your child or children to engage in dramatic play.
Also read: 5 Effective Ways Parents Can Boost a Child’s Self-Confidence
Dramatic Play for Infants and Toddlers
Of course, dramatic play for infant children and toddlers is going to be different to what older children will engage in.
Small kids have always been amused by puppet shows, particularly hand puppets and it’s something they can actually do themselves rather than simply watching an adult perform a puppet show. Homemade hand puppets are a great idea as the child becomes more personally involved and engaged with the puppet.
Some other forms of dramatic play for infants and toddlers that many people will be familiar with are things like having a toy kitchen and pretending to prepare meals, or other toy versions of household appliances such as an iron, a lawnmower or even a phone.
Stuffed animals and dolls are also useful props for little ones to engage in dramatic play.
Related: Childhood Development and The Impact of Early Education and Child Care
Dramatic Play for Preschoolers
What does dramatic play for preschoolers look like?
Once again, a puppet show can come into play, only this type of puppet show will be a little more advanced for preschoolers than it is for infants and toddlers. For starters, the kids can actually make their own puppets, write a basic script and perform the puppet show for other kids in the audience.
The ideas for role playing and dramatic play are really only limited by imagination. Some other scenarios and scenes that can be depicted through dramatic play include pretending to run a shop or store, such as a grocery store, a bakery or a fruit and vegetable stand. Role playing such as working in a hospital as a doctor or a nurse is also common practice in dramatic play for preschoolers.
Related: 6 Important Things Children Can Learn In Childcare
Dramatic Play for School-Age Children
As children mature and develop, so do the types of dramatic play they will become involved in. School-aged children can build all manner of sets and create a variety of costumes to suit any drama situation. Some typical situations could be a teacher and student environment, where one child is acting the role of a school teacher.
Kids can also role play other professions such as being firefighters or police. With the latter, some children can be police officers while others play the role of robbers, for example. Kids can even get involved with writing and producing school plays that either depicts a real life historical event or something completely fictional.
Also read: Why Cultural Diversity Is Important In Early Childhood Education
The Benefits Of Dramatic Play
When it comes to dramatic play for toddlers, the benefits are numerous and the same applies to children of all ages engaged in dramatic role playing. Let’s list just some of the benefits of dramatic play:
- It’s creative and engages the imagination
- Kids develop self-confidence
- Improves their social skills
- It relieves stress and anxiety
- Children learn the difference between reality and fantasy
- Problem-solving skills are developed
- Dramatic play teaches self-regulation and behaviour
- Children learn more about math and English
- Kids learn all about teamwork
- It gives children a sense of identity and belonging
- Dramatic play can help kids overcome shyness
- It’s loads of fun
Consider An Early Education Centre for Your Child
Consider enrolling your child in an Endeavour Early Education Centre for the ultimate in childhood development on every level. Get in touch today.
