Why You Should Include Dramatic Play in Your Homeschool

Did you know that Dramatic Play or more commonly known as Pretend Play is an essential part of childhood development? Kids learn best through play, pretending and imagining. Dramatic play is a type of play where kids take on different roles or personas and act them out. For example, one day your child could be a pirate. The next day, an astronaut, a race car driver, a princess, a doctor, a wizard or even the president of their own country. Sometimes they take on the role of the neighborhood grocer, the mail man, police man or firefighter. Other times they may simply pretend to be mom and dad. Did you know that your kids hear you and listen to everything you say even though it seems that they don't? You'll be surprised at how young children can imitate your actions, mannerisms and language. Dramatic play is important because it allows kids to explore new lands and situations out of reality and this results to natural learning.

We love dramatic play in our house. I have always encouraged my son to explore different roles even when he was just several months old. His favorite set ups are restaurant and supermarket dramatic plays. Here are some of the reasons why dramatic play is a regular part of our homeschool life.

Benefits of dramatic play

Experience being in another person's shoes

So why is dramatic play so important? First it teaches children to be in "another person's shoes." It's the start of helping them how to regulate their emotions and actions. For example, when my son becomes so hard-headed, I get his "babies" (currently the minions) and I make them act out his bad behavior. Him being the "dad" would feel how I felt when he did that bad behavior. This helps him understand that what he did was wrong. The next time he does that, he will be reminded of how he felt when his "children" had the same bad behavior. When he sets the rules as the dad, he tends to stick to them when he goes back as the child in real life.

Encourages language development and use of polite words

Even occupational therapists use dramatic play in their sessions with special needs children. Pizza Ordering/Pizza Restaurant is one of the most common scenarios they use because it encourages children to talk. They need to talk to order the pizza that they like. They need to tell the chef what toppings they like, the sauce they want and how big the pizza should be. Children are inspired to express themselves in this kind of play.

At home, you can also do this same "therapy" with your kids. You can take turns acting out the different roles. If you find your child having a hard time talking or is a little behind in language skills, try some dramatic play to encourage them to talk without putting pressure on them.

Dramatic play also teaches kids how to use polite words and what to say in different situations.  In our dramatic play sessions, my son usually does the grocer role first and I'll be the shopper. At the start of the day, he will greet me, the customer, "good morning" and asks how he can help me. I take it further by asking for help with the different items on offer. Sometimes I ask about several things to encourage patience.

It's a great way to teach what to do in different situations

You know how you always teach your child not to talk to strangers or not to accept candy from people they don't know? Incorporate this into your dramatic play so your child can get a feel of that kind of situation. Get a stuffed toy and pretend that's the bad person and act out the lesson that you are trying to teach. 

Dramatic play is also great for conflict resolution. Help your child how to work through a disagreement with their siblings or friends through play. For example, if you are playing pirates and both kids want to be the captain, you can teach them how to take turns and explain how each of their roles is important to the success of the play. 

Dramatic play empowers children and teaches them responsibility

When my son pretends to be a doctor, he takes the role seriously. He gets his doctor's bag and gives me a full checkup complete with an Rx at the end of the checkup. If he is the Chef, he becomes a responsible chef. He "washes" his hands, prepares the ingredients and cooks. When I ask him to help me cook in real life, he knows the steps and does them without prompting. 

When he plays teacher, he tells his students to pack away their things. When he is playing on his own, the action is automatic. He packs away his toys after playing without me asking him to do so.

It sparks imagination

My son likes saying that he is a Martian. One of his favorite movies is The Martian (Mark Watney). So, he often describes what Mars looks like in his head. Sometimes he tells me that his planet is the home of the Minions. Sometimes he says it's Minion Land where the Minions go shopping. Sometimes we "go" there to eat lunch. It's different every time. I truly believe that creativity and imagination are two very important aspects in life and I will continuously develop them in my child. Dramatic play helps me a lot in that area. 

It's a great way to practice Math and Science concepts

One of the reasons why we always do grocery dramatic play is it's a great math practice without the added pressure and stress of a formal math lesson. In this kind of play, he can use his cash register to do the calculations (extra calculator practice!). He can also practice his writing skills when I call in to order grocery deliveries. He can practice reading, sorting and even packing (fine and gross motor practice). It's also a great comprehension practice as he needs to get everything in my list/phone call right.

How to Start Dramatic Play

We have different sets that we use when we play. We have this grocery set pictured above and the Melissa & Doug food groups set in the wooden crates. We also have other sets from M&D such as the pancake set, sandwich set and ice cream set. We have invested (and are still investing ) in these toys for the past several years now. But, you actually don't really need a lot. You can use things around the house such as plastic plates, plastic utensils, etc. You can also use cardboard boxes, cut them out in your desired props and paint them. However, if you want something that will last for years or several kids to come, check these sets out from Lazada:

I love cutting food sets. They are great for fine and gross motor practice. The set below looks a lot like the set they have in Kidzoona. 

If you have boys, don't be turned off by the "lutu-lutuan" is only for girls concept. That's just an old way of thinking. We all know that men and women can be great chefs. It's good that these sets now come in different colors and not just pink. 

This is a great unisex set that your kids will enjoy for hours. 

Restaurant sets are second in our list. 

And while we're at it, the Lazada 99 Sale is also here! Check out special deals at special times in their websites. A lot of items will be on sale for only P99! And if you think that's great, it gets better. There's going to be FREE Shipping wherever you are in the Philippines during the sale! 

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