Perfectly Pretending!

Let's have a picnic! These two initiated having lunch together complete with a tablecloth, food and drinks! They enjoyed each others company as they sat and talked about their day. They took turns dishing up food, sharing entrees, and finally cleaning up. What great experiences they must have to be able to recreate this dramatic play scene.

 Milkshakes! Milkshakes! Who wants a milkshake? Students created a milkshake stand full of flavorful yummy shakes! Brainstorming together they decided to sell their shakes for $65.00. Apparently it was a little steep for some and sales were low! After a quick meeting, they changed their price to $FREE$ and they became a best selling milkshake store!!! The students used several props and water to recreate the scene of an ice cream store. Working together they took turns being  the store operator, cashier, scooper and customer. What fun they had using their imaginations together. Many wished that they could really go to a milk shake store and buy whatever they want!

As explored in previous posts, dramatic play is crucial in child development. It helps students socially and academically. It allows for open play and for students to have the opportunity to learn to work together, validating each others ideas and actions. Students explore their imagination while recreating situations and relationships either already experienced or created by the child. Below is a list of a few of the Nevada State Preschool Standards addressed in dramatic play! Never underestimate this wonderful play time!

SOCIAL STUDIES/SOCIAL EMOTIONAL STANDARDS

5.PK.1a Play independently.

5.PK.1b Play in pairs and small groups.

5.PK.1c Engage in dramatic play.

5.PK.1d Initiate play, or enter into play with a group of children already playing.

5.PK.2a Participate in cooperative groups to complete a task.

5.PK.2b Take turns with teacher support.

5.PK.2c Share some of the time.



CREATIVE EXPRESSION STANDARDS


1.PK.1 Act out a role observed in his/her life experiences; for instance, mother, baby, doctor.

1.PK.2a Make up new roles from experiences and familiar stories.

1.PK.2b Direct peers and/or follow directions from peers in creating dramatic play scenarios

1.PK.3 Act out roles that involve another child(ren) in related role; for instance, mother and baby, grocer and shopper.

1.PK.6 Use available materials as either realistic or symbolic props as part of dramatic play.

1.PK.7 Use dress-up clothes or costumes and other props in dramatic play.

2.PK.1 Distinguish between persons, animals, and objects by identifying characteristics (e.g., the sounds animals make).

2.PK.2 Imitate roles observed in child’s life experiences.

2.PK.3 Assume the role of a familiar person or thing and talk in the language/tone appropriate for that person or thing.