Dramatic Play and Development
This week, I added a new wooden kitchen playset. So much fun :)
Dramatic play enhances child development in four major areas.
Social/Emotional – When children come together in a dramatic play experience, they have to negotiate roles or themes, take turns, solve problems and develop skills they need to cooperate with their peers. When children engage in pretend play it increases their understanding of the world they live in. Dramatic centers should also reflect the children’s cultures. (Example: Multicultural cooking books and utensils)
Physical – Dramatic play helps children develop both gross and fine motor skills . When children tidy up, they practice eye-hand coordination and visual organization. Children use their large and small muscles to put on costumes and manipulate props.
Cognitive – When children are involved in make-believe play, they make use of pictures they have created in their minds to recreate past experiences, which is a form of abstract thinking. Setting a table for a meal, counting out money as a cashier, dialing a telephone, and setting the clock promotes the use of math skills.
Language – Dramatic play promotes the use of speaking and listening skills. Children are also introduced to new vocabulary by labelling kitchen accessories or variety of foods. Oral language development leads to early literacy and writing skills. ( Example: Children pretend to write a grocery list to go shopping)
This week, I added a new wooden kitchen playset. So much fun :)
Dramatic play enhances child development in four major areas.
Social/Emotional – When children come together in a dramatic play experience, they have to negotiate roles or themes, take turns, solve problems and develop skills they need to cooperate with their peers. When children engage in pretend play it increases their understanding of the world they live in. Dramatic centers should also reflect the children’s cultures. (Example: Multicultural cooking books and utensils)
Physical – Dramatic play helps children develop both gross and fine motor skills . When children tidy up, they practice eye-hand coordination and visual organization. Children use their large and small muscles to put on costumes and manipulate props.
Cognitive – When children are involved in make-believe play, they make use of pictures they have created in their minds to recreate past experiences, which is a form of abstract thinking. Setting a table for a meal, counting out money as a cashier, dialing a telephone, and setting the clock promotes the use of math skills.
Language – Dramatic play promotes the use of speaking and listening skills. Children are also introduced to new vocabulary by labelling kitchen accessories or variety of foods. Oral language development leads to early literacy and writing skills. ( Example: Children pretend to write a grocery list to go shopping)
