Social Skills/Interaction–Dramatic play promotes the development of social skills through interaction with others, peers or adults. Dramatic play with friends requires compromise when assigning roles, sharing, taking turns, and cooperation to make it all come together. It is a great way to practice to relationship roles!
Communication–Dramatic play promotes the use of speaking and listening skills. Children have to actively listen to the conversations and communicate in return. It is a great way to use and learn new vocabulary words!
Physical–Dramatic play helps children develop both gross and fine motor skills
Emotional–Children who participate in dramatic play experiences are better able to show empathy for others because they have “tried out” being that someone else for a while. Dramatic play increases self esteem and gives children a sense of pride and accomplishment. Acting out roles and being in control of the outcomes increase feelings of safety and protection. Making choices in dramatic play helps children develop a sense of self, individuality, and feelings of purpose.
Literacy–Dramatic play is the perfect place to include a literacy rich environment and give children a chance to use their reading and writing skills. For example, reading menus in the pretend restaurant, pretending to be the waitress writing down the order, and the little chef reading the food labels in the pretend kitchen are natural opportunities for increasing literacy.
Math–Just like literacy, dramatic play is a great way to practice math skills.
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