Dramatic play not only entertains children on a rainy day, it provides social and cognitive benefits for them. They are able to expand language, social interactions, creativity and understanding about the world. Using themed prop boxes introduces them to specific topics that may expand their horizons. They also allow dramatic play to change easily by selecting a different theme each time.
Theme Ideas for Prop Boxes
The interests of the child and the available dramatic play props guide the selection of themes. Try these theme ideas including suggestions for props for the boxes:
- Post Office: mailbox made from cardboard box, letter carrying bag, envelopes, junk mail, slotted shelf or box for sorting mail
- Hair Salon: empty shampoo bottles, brushes, combs, old hair dryer, barrettes, headbands, spray bottle filled with water, bowl to simulate a sink
- Kitchen: pot holders, aprons, chef's hat, baking pans, bowls, spoons, toy stove, empty food containers
- Store: cash register, toy money, items for sale, bags, shopping basket, note pads for lists
- Construction: hard hats, tool belt, toy tools, clean paint brushes, blocks, tape measure, blue prints
- Safari: khaki clothes, safari vest, binoculars, water bottles, plastic vines, cutouts of animals or stuffed animals, toy or digital camera
- Camping: small tent, sleeping bags, back pack, cardboard logs with tissue paper flames
- Clinic: doctor's kit, tongue depressors, scrubs, band aids, gauze wraps, homemade prescription pad
- Science Lab: white lab coat, beakers, microscope, magnifying glass, bug house
- Office: Suit jacket, ties, pens, notepads, old computer keyboard, unplugged telephone, file folders
- Wild West: cowboy hats, chaps, stick horses, boots
- Beach: lounge chairs, beach towels, empty sunscreen bottles, sunglasses, sun hats, sand toys, buckets, wading pool
- Gardening: plastic flower pots, empty seed packets, toy gardening tools, hose, plastic flowers, gardening gloves, watering can, artificial grass
Gathering Items for the Themed Prop Boxes
Many items around the house or classroom provide a basis for themed dramatic play activities. Start with a search through closets and toy boxes to find items. Family and friends, consignment shops, clothing swaps and other thrifty ideas for collecting dramatic play props help build up the collection. Assessing the items already on hand guides the themes that are easiest to complete. Gradually add more props based on the other desired themes to expand the dramatic play prop collection.
Storing the Dramatic Play Props
Plastic tubs with lids work well to store the themed prop boxes. These containers allow all of the items for a certain theme to be placed together. Choose clear plastic tubs so the contents are visible without opening the lid. A label on the front of the plastic tub adds an additional identifier to each themed box. Using plastic tubs of the same brand and size allows them to stack easily for storage.
Using the Themed Prop Boxes for Dramatic Play
Putting together several different themed boxes allows for variety during dramatic play. The themed boxes work well as a storage system for a classroom dramatic play center. They also work well at home as a rainy day activity for young kids. Add to the collection gradually to expand the play opportunities for kids while maintaining their interest.
Shelley Frost - Shelley Frost pursued a freelance writing career after giving up a traditional job to stay home with her two young children. Shelley ...
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