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(Unit 5) Topic 7: The Dramatic Play Learning Center

2 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

Prepping for Dramatic Play

Topic 7 Page 7

Arctic Animals Theme: Hibernation Den

http://www.lessons4learners.com/hibernation-den.html

Deciding on a Theme

The majority of the time, the theme of the center will be dictated by the theme of your current curriculum. For example, if the curriculum theme is Community Helpers, acceptable dramatic play centers could be a farm stand, fire station, or dentist’s office. One of the goals of dramatic play is to reinforce the ideas that are being taught during circle or structured learning time.

Here are some of the most popular themes for the dramatic play area:

Restaurant (Ice cream shop, pizza parlor, coffee shop, etc.)
Post office
Grocery store
Doctor’s office or hospital
Veterinarian
Florist
Airport
Bakery
Aquarium
Bank

Of course, you are by no means limited to this list.

Another way to decide on the theme for the dramatic play area is to include your students. Let children vote on a few possible ideas. This gives students a sense of ownership and responsibility when they are allowed input into classroom decisions.

Pumpkin Soup

http://www.lessons4learners.com/pumpkin-soup-p.html

Prior Knowledge

In order for children to engage in dramatic play, they will need to be knowledgeable about the topic or theme. Remember that some children do not come to the classroom with the experiences that others do. Sit down with all of your students and discuss all of the things that they already know about the topic and write down all of the things they want to learn.

Once you have this information, you can compile literature and create activities that explain the topic in a child-friendly way. You will want to be sure that your students have a thorough understanding of the subject before the center is presented.