Dramatic Play Experiential Centers Dramatic play is essential for young children. They imitate behaviours observed from adults in their lives to determine their own role in the world.

Dramatic play offers an opportunity to experiment with various roles.

Dramatic Play  Mirrors are important to include in the dramatic play area so children can see themselves from a different perspective in different roles.

Storage needs to be developmentally appropriate. Toddlers have difficulty folding but can hang a coat or costume on a hook effectively.

Photo use These educators have provided photos of the children wearing the outfits. This enables children to independently return the materials when they have completed their play activity.

A large basket works well for young children to store dramatic play clothes.

Providing real materials such as a phone book makes learning authentic.

Dramatic play provides an opportunity to experiment with familiar roles such as “Mommy and Daddy.”

Caring for ‘baby dolls’ helps to develop empathy and caring which are important for social emotional development.

The addition of the brooms enriches the play of the children by allowing them to imitate and independently engage in a familiar experience.

Using real food boxes and containers allows dramatic play to be more genuine and realistic.

Dramatic play experiential centers stimulate both expressive and receptive language development.

Using Puppets in Dramatic Play Educators model using the materials and assist young children as they experiment in this language rich experience. Making animal sounds or singing familiar songs are valuable activities while playing with puppets.

Culture The environment should reflect the cultures of those who use it. Honouring cultures allows families to feel a sense of belonging.

Literacy  A few books thoughtfully displayed can be more inviting than a crowded shelf full of books.

Presenting books in a positive and comfortable space is key to encouraging children to interact with them

Books can be enjoyed independently or with others

Sharing a book together builds friendships.

Display children’s literature in an inviting and accessible way

Children can access and replace the books independently.

Board books are a good choice for infants and toddlers as they are more durable and their thick pages are easier for little hands to turn.

Child sized seating and low shelves allows children to be independent.

Furniture can be arranged to define the space.

Considerations Comfort has been considered in the carpet and pillows. Pictures which are related to the content of the books, have been posted on the wall. The addition of the cat tails add genuine materials that are related to the content.

Space Be intentional in your planning. Provide a comfortable space for children to browse through books alone or with others. Notice the books in the basket and on the windowsill.

An invitation to explore

The baskets are labeled with both a photo and the printed word.

Good Books for Young Infants  Washable books made of vinyl or cloth  Sturdy books – board books  Chewable materials as they put everything in their mouth  Books with simple pictures – too much information on a page is overwhelming  Books with photos of real items  Books with textures, parts that move, or holes to explore

Books for Older Infants or Toddlers  Books with a song or rhyme  Repetitive books  Books with a simple story line  Books with interesting illustrations to look at and talk about  Books that introduce basic concepts – size, shape and colour  Books that meet a child’s current interests  Books that make children laugh and are fun to read with the care giver