Dramatic Play Ideas for Toddlers
Dramatic play provides a way for toddlers to learn about their world. Even though pretending may sometimes look like it is frivolous or that it does not provide a real learning experience, dramatic play actually helps develop vital skills. One- and two-year olds increase verbal abilities, learn to solve problems, and build social relationships through imaginative play. They also begin to think symbolically when they pretend that an object stands for something that it is not.
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Imitating Family Members
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Very young children learn to interact with their environments by mimicking their parents and other people in their lives. They will enjoy using a bowl and spoon to practice cooking, a mop for cleaning, and dolls to care for a baby. They may also like to pretend to drive a car, talk on a telephone, or play with tools that their mom or dad uses.
Imitating Community Members
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As toddlers have more experiences in their neighborhoods, they will enjoy pretending to check food at a grocery store or help an imaginary customer try on shoes. They will want to make sounds like the garbage truck or fire engine they see outside and imitate the workers that use them. A toddler may act like a preacher, teacher, athlete, doctor, or nurse whom she sees.
Imitating Animals
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Pretending to be an animal helps a child think symbolically. Young children often enjoy pretending to be a pet dog or cat. They may crawl on their hands and knees and bark or meow. As they see other animals on a farm or at a zoo, toddlers learn to make more animal sounds and move in different ways to imitate them. Simple props to enhance their appearance, such as a fuzzy sweater or a tail made from yarn, can keep their imaginations active for extended periods of time.
Imitating Fictional Characters
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As toddlers listen to stories, whether they are in the form of picture books or age-appropriate videos, they will want to try acting them out. Children can use a wooden spoon for a wand and pretend to be a fairy. A broom can be transformed into a horse for a cowboy, or a scarf can create a princess. As they approach nursery school age, kids may develop complex scenes with their peers where each child takes a role. They may be able to act out “The Three Little Pigs,” for example, with very little input from an adult.
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Baking with your little one can be a whole load of fun. Its a great bonding activity for both of you, and your tot will love being Mommys Little Helper in the kitchen -- and making a mess, of course. Its also a fun way to develop your childs motor sk
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Elmo is still a favorite with todays toddlers, even though the famously fuzzy red Muppet made his Sesame Street debut in 1979. If your child is an Elmo enthusiast, try one of the many free online games that the Sesame Street website has to offer. Wit
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As the mom of a 22-month-old toddler, you already know that he is busy, and does not sit still very long. He likes to run around, play chase, play peek-a-boo, kick balls and play all of the other standard toddler games. You have also likely noticed t
