Think of some questions that you have about play and creativity and write them down. What do you think children learn during play time? Why do children play?

How can playing help children develop? What is the importance of dramatic play? Can playing help a child develop in more than one area? Is there such a thing as too much playing? Take a moment to compare your own responses to the things said by the people in the program.

Main Points:

• Play is how children naturally learn
• It stimulates brain growth
• It lays down the foundations for later learning
• Dramatic play helps children develop their social roles

As you watch, look for things that the child care provider does that you would find helpful. Also, look for examples of kids playing and think about what they're learning.

Consider what you do with your children. How are your practices the same as what you saw? How are they different? What are children learning from dramatic play? How can you support them?

To support Dramatic Play:

• Allow time and space for dramatic play
• Provide dramatic play materials and a storage area
• Encourage children to talk about their dramatic play
• Join them if they invite you, or if your help is required
• Let children direct the dramatic play

When they pretend, children are learning to:

• Think symbolically and follow a mental plan
• Develop a sense of story and practice language skills

Prepare to watch how the panelists react to the video. Keep your questions and the active learning questions in mind and take notes on one topic that interests you.

Did anyone notice the same things as you? Do you agree with them? What are some different forms that dramatic play can take? Who should direct dramatic play?

Main Points:

• Children should direct their own play, but it's ok for them to direct one another
• Dramatic play can happen while reading to children, while doing chores, and even as part of any other type of game or activity

Here's your chance to think about how to apply what you've learned. How can you support dramatic play without directing it? How can you make materials easily available to the children?

What different themes for a prop box would your children enjoy? What new words or ideas would you introduce? What different roles could children play? Who could help you decide what to put in the prop box?

To create a prop box:

• Parents can donate materials
• Children can help decide what to include
• Good themes for prop boxes are subjects/places that are familiar to the children

Dramatic Play:

• Is the most important type of play for ages 3-6
• Helps children make sense of their experiences
• Promotes early academic and social skills