SOCIODRAMATIC PLAY

Sociodramatic Play Most advanced form of play which incorporates imitation, drama, and fantasy integration. Children often engage in role playing and act out on their experiences. Through make-believe play children are experimenting with social roles. Sociodramatic play is the vehicle whereby young children use all of their developmental attributes. It is not merely role playing, but also the incorporation of skills such as problem-solving, organization, and execution of social skills.

Smilansky’s six criteria of Dramatic Play Imitative role play. The child undertakes a make-believe role and expresses it in imitative action and verbalization. Make-believe with objects. Movements or verbal declarations and/or materials or toys that are not replicas of the object itself are substituted for real objects. Verbal make-believe. Verbal descriptions or declarations are substituted for actions and situations. Persistence in role playing. Extended periods of role or thematic playing for at least 10 minutes. Interaction. 2 or more children interacting within the context of a play episode. Verbal communication. Verbal interaction related to the play episode.

Play as Expression of Feelings For preschoolers, play is a form of expression and communication. According to Freud, children use play to resolve anxiety and to bring understanding to certain experiences.