And when they played they really played. And when they worked they really worked.
-- Dr. Seuss
From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.
-- Dr. Seuss
I remember one of my favorite things to do in school was FREE PLAY!!!! The first center of choise would be home living or dramatic play. I love to put on heels and carry a purse. I always get a kick out of my children now when I see the differnt behaviors they act out in the classrooms. Geting the parents to donate their old clothes and shoes to the classroom, and if some classrooms have a kitchen area, they can ask their families for old food boxes, and have the kids creat a cook book. This will give it the real effect. It is important to know that pretend play is just one of the many ways that children explore the world they are living in. By dressing up, pretending to cook, holding and feeding babies, washing dishes, going to work, or washing clothes, children are trying on these different adult roles.
The Kitchen is one of my favorite dramatic play areas. Children seem to always choose it first. I especially love it when the props are real and found materials. It creates a much more realistic experience for them.
ReplyDeleteI think it is fascinating watching my 4 year old daughter pretend to be a mother. I haven't encouraged or discouraged this type of play - there is so much debate over whether gender roles are socialization or nature. In my experience, it is nature.
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