Learning in Dramatic Fashion

One of my favorite things to plan for and set up is the dramatic play learning center.  Through the years, I have picked up things along the way and saved materials so set up is easy.  My teacher closet is full of dramatic play storage boxes.  There are ideas that I use every year at particular times and there are ideas that pop up because of something that a particular class says, does or is interested in.

I usually leave dramatic play for 2-3 weeks, it just depends on the interest around whatever is in the center.  I know to change the center when no one goes to it anymore.  I haven't had that problem this year!  My class is extremely interested in the center.  They are always excited to learn what's going to open next.  So far this year, we have had a grocery store, movie theater, pizza parlor, and barbeque.  Starbucks is opening as soon as we go back to school.

I like the center to be open ended enough where they can bring in their ideas and imagination but I also think it is important that they have props that help stimulate their ideas and drive their play.  Incorporating environmental print and math concepts that we are working on is also important.  For instance, I have coins in the cash register and often times although the prices aren't realistic will make sure that the prices reflect numerical amounts that they can understand. 

Here are some pictures of the center from this year...

 

Barbeque Center!  Most items were found in the dollar section of Target during the summer months.  The aluminum foil was my take on a grill.

Are you looking for great ideas to enhance dramatic play for your learners?  Pre-K pages has lists of possible dramatic play center ideas as well as the materials that would provide a valuable experience for children.  You can find them here. 

I also enjoy extending dramatic play to math and literacy through cooking activities or graphing.  When we had the pizza parlor in the center, we cooked pizza and wrote the recipe using interactive writing.  This month, we will drink hot chocolate and graph whether we like it or not. 

I think dramatic play offers a variety of learning experiences that are not limited to when children are at centers.  What are some ideas for dramatic play that your class has enjoyed?  What is your favorite center to plan and set up for?