In the Dramatic Play Area, children break through the restrictions of reality. They pretend to be someone or something different from themselves and make up situations and actions that go along with the role they choose. When children engage in dramatic play they deepen their understanding of the world and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Literacy: Encourage children to explore print and letters and words by placing writing tools and paper in the Dramatic Play Area (e.g., note pads, prescription pads, eye charts, posters, stationery, and envelopes). Participate in children’s play to demonstrate the uses of writing. Encourage children to use writing tools and paper as part of their play. Offer props such as telephone books and empty food boxes with labels.
Math: Guide problem solving by helping children to find solutions to problems they encounter (e.g., what they can use for food, how to make a balance scale, what to do if two children both want to be the doctor).
Science: Encourage children to explore physical science by providing balance scales, eggbeaters, kitchen magnets, can openers, timers, and fishing rods (without hooks).
Social Studies: Explore concepts related to people and how they live by providing props that encourage children to role-play family life and different kinds of jobs. Display photographs of families and community helpers.
The Arts: Promote the visual arts by providing materials children need to make their own props for dramatic play, such as cardboard boxes, collage materials, construction paper, scissors, paint, and markers.