School-age children will participate in dramatic play experiences. In this activity, you will be observing these experiences throughout the environment and recording what you see. You will also provide your thoughts on why what you observe is considered dramatic play.

Dramatic play can occur anywhere in the environment, so be alert, but pay close attention to areas that have:

  • Building and construction
  • Dolls
  • Costumes
  • House areas (kitchens, etc)
  • Stages or areas that encourage acting
  • Outdoor areas where children might explore and participate in pretend play
Learning Environment Location Observation Link to Dramatic Play
 
Outdoor grassy area
 
A group of first-grade girls were recreating a wedding scene. They were holding flowers and grass in their hands like bouquets.
 
The girls were being creative and setting up a scene for a wedding. They even included props. 
Indoor block area
A group of third-graders were building in the block area. They decided to make a zoo. Some of the children used the blocks to create an animal area. Another child went into the science area and borrowed the plastic animals. They placed the animals in their areas, just like in a real zoo.
The children were being creative and designed their own zoo. They used materials outside of the area they were playing in to give their creation more depth.