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How to Develop a Dramatic Play Kit

Despite the lure of today's high-tech playthings, the phenomenon persists that children invariably seek out non-toys to play with. They love to get hold of their parents' belongings, such as a scarf or pair of sunglasses. A stick from the backyard becomes a magic wand. Just like that, they become a character. Just like that, they are engaged in dramatic play. Here's a way to build on your child's natural, creative instincts. Assemble and develop a dramatic play kit to stimulate her imagination and help her plunge into enjoyment of the theatrical.

Things You'll Need

Toy chest
Costume accessories
Mirror
Multicolored index cards

Instructions

- 1
  Accessorize. Place costume items into the toy chest. You don't need full blown costumes. They would be too bulky for your kit, and besides, they would only limit the characters your child will create by predefining what they should become. It's better to find small accessories which may suggest or add to a characterization. Glasses are wonderful. Find as many styles as you can. (Be sure to remove the lenses from old prescription glasses.) Scarves and boas certainly prompt immediate shifts in posture and gait. Toy tiaras? Wigs? A fake nose? Sure! Neckties, a pocket protector, gold chains? Why not? And of course, as many different hats as possible. Your child will love glancing in the mirror and discovering different ways of walking, talking and interacting.
- 2
  Make three types of index cards, each with its own color. One stack will be used as "Location" cards. On these write the names of non-geographic locations such as "Dentist's office," or "Chinese restaurant." Another stack will become "Situation" cards. On each of these briefly describe an interesting life situation, such as, "Graduation," "Applying for a job," or "Fell off a bicycle." Milestones are good, and so are accidents. The third stack will be for "Relationships," including "Parent and child," "Married couple," "Boss and employee," as some possibilities. Make at least one card for "Strangers, meeting for first time."
- 3
  Allow your child to freely explore the items you have assembled, and to have fun looking in the mirror. They can do this with a friend or with you. Each player should then choose up to two accessories only for their character.
- 4
  Begin randomly selecting one card from each stack. Agree to use what is selected---no drawing again from the pile. If you pull out "Library" from the location pile, use that location for your first game. When you have drawn and read out all three cards, begin the play. Characters can interact according to the given scenario. This will be an endless source of enjoyment, enrichment and hilarity.

Childrens Toys