Dramatic play can be defined as a type of play where children accept and assign roles, and then act them out. It is a time when they break through the walls of reality, pretend to be someone or something different from themselves, and dramatise situations and actions to go along with the roles they have chosen to play. This type of play is an integral part of the developmental learning process by allowing children to develop skills in such areas as abstract thinking, literacy, math, and social skills, in a timely, natural manner.

(www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article)

 

At SOS, our home corner area is a learning area that encourages and inspires dramatic play. Educators program and plan for this learning area each week. Children have the opportunity to engage in play in home corner every morning during free play time, to play creatively and imaginatively. Children choose and/or negotiate roles to play and learn about other cultures and practices. Home corner is a learning area where children can act out true life experiences.

They also learn……

• To share toys and equipment.
• To take turns
• To extend their play skills eg move from solitary, onlooker or parallel play to associative play and co-operative play.
• To develop body awareness and self help skills eg dress ups.
• To use language to communicate; commenting, requesting, problem solving and building vocabulary.
• To establish relationships with other children.
• Early literacy.

EYLF Outcomes

• Children have a strong sense of identity
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world
• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
• Children are confident and involved learners
• Children are effective communicators