Taking Care of Our Friends


Every morning and afternoon, during free play, the toddlers and preschoolers are busy, busy, busily engaged in dramatic play.
They try on different hats, shoes, bags, and accessories. They use the tools from the toy tool box to fix "broken" things around the classroom, serve each other food at the "restaurant", and take care of each other at the "doctor's office". They try on different roles as they rock their babies, fight imaginary fires, and construct roads and buildings.
I personally feel that dramatic play is the single most valuable activity that the kids participate in at school. Imagining with their peers provides valuable practice in communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. They explore and make sense of their own life experiences, like going to the doctor or eating at a restaurant. They express their own opinions and ideas and learn to cooperate with each other.

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