What is a learning center? What is the name of the learning centers? What is included in these learning centers? Most preschools have learning centers that include art, fine motor, gross motor/outdoor, dramatic play, science/discovery, quiet/reading and computer. The learning centers are used during free play so that children can learn interaction and instruction while they are having fun.
Let's seek what needs to be included in the dramatic play preschool learning center. The children are going to pretend to enter an adult life so we are going to furnish them items for pretending that they are adults.
Imagine that your preschoolers are pretending to be moms and dads in a household setting. What would they need for this pretending? They might like dress up clothes like dresses, high-heels, make-up (fake), purses, dressy gloves, jewelry, stuff to put in their purses: all that mom uses for a day at the office or a night on the town. Be sure to include a mirror for checking their done look.
If they were going to be a dad out in the adult world, they might like suits, ties, wallet, glasses, pen pocket protectors, belts, dressy shoes, lunch box and all to put in it.
What are they going to be when they grow up? Let your fantasize go wild with work choices. Lets start by providing a doctor's kit, fireman's hat, police hat and badge, backpack, calculator, briefcase, magic wand, top hat, cape, boots, tool belt, glasses and so much more.
In our preschool home, we need all for a kitchen. A small table and chairs with a tablecloth, dishes, flatware, cups or glasses are needed. A play kitchen that includes a refrigerator, microwave, toaster, stove and oven with pots and pans and utensils for cooking. all for baking would be great: bowls, stirring spoons, a mixer with beaters, aprons, towels for cleanup, bake ware. Also include lots of plastic food.
Everything to care for clothing could be included. All your dress up clothing could use storage, hangers, small dresser, an ironing board and iron with spray bottle (empty), washer and dryer (kid size) and shelving or racks for dress up shoes.
Your itsybitsy ones will want to pretend to go to bed. In order to do this it would be good to have a child-size cot for them to lie down on. Also furnish pillows and blankets.
You might like a home office with a phone, notepad, pencils, laptop or computer can all go on your child-size desk.
Since a home is not faultless without babies you will want to furnish baby dolls and all their equipment. I'm sure you will find room for bassinet, crib, playpen, seat, highchair, stroller, swing, and cradle. The dolls will want their own dress up clothes, blankets and bathing tub.
The list could go on and on. You will need to furnish what your space and budget can manage.
So, why do we include a dramatic play learning town in our preschool? What are the children learning? Of all of the learning centers in your room, when you see the children participating in this one, it can be easiest to see what they are learning. They are learning to be an adult.
Children often reenact what they see or hear at home. They play out what is prominent to them. They are making a trial run for the future. As the teacher, you can encourage them and ask acceptable questions to help them think through what they are doing.
They are also using their creativity. You can encourage this by giving them ideas for role playing. You might say "pretend that you are a family and you need to make dinner". Something as uncomplicated as this will get their creative juices flowing.
Provide two of the same objects like two baby buggies and watch two or more children interact while doing the same or similar things with their babies.
Provide two phones and encourage a shy child to be on one phone while other child is on the other one.
Have fun setting up your dramatic play preschool center. Along with these ideas, I am sure that you have ideas of your own. Have fun watching and participating with your preschoolers. You will both enjoy play time in your learning centers.
Dramatic Play learning town