With screens and electronic entertainment more available to kids than ever, teaching play skills matters more than ever too. Children can learn many valuable skills from adult play partners that a TV show or a screen simply cannot teach as well. Dramatic play for kids, also called pretend play, teaches new vocabulary, social skills, empathy, life skills, and executive function. It also boosts imagination and creativity.
Why Dramatic Play for Kids Matters
According to NAEYC, play is a central way young children learn. Because play teaches so many skills, parents, early childhood teachers, and speech-language pathologists should work dramatic play into learning whenever possible.
What Is Dramatic Play?
In dramatic play, children take on roles and act them out. You are probably thinking of “playing house” right now. In the therapy room, a favorite is “ice cream shop.” One person plays the customer, and the other is the ice cream maker, using different sizes and colors of pom-poms as scoops and sprinkles.
What Communication Goals Can Dramatic Play Target?
Just about any communication goal can be targeted through dramatic play. For example, during the ice cream shop game, therapists might target:
- Answering questions and making requests, such as “What size do you want? What flavors do you want? How much does that cost?”
- Basic concepts, like colors, shapes, sizes, and numbers
- Following complex directions, such as “I want one big red scoop and one small blue scoop.”
These are just a few examples. Goals like greetings, asking for help, longer attention, longer sentences, and eye contact can all be taught during dramatic play. In addition, you do not need a specific goal in mind when you play with your child. As long as you are having a creative conversation together, your child will gain from it.
Does Dramatic Play Need a Lot of Toys and Set-Up?
No. Kids love to play pretend in a way that mirrors real life, which means everyday objects and toys you already have can work. For example:
- Stuffed animals and cardboard boxes can become a pet store
- Your kitchen and dining room can become a five-star restaurant
- Fake food and a wicker basket can turn into a trip to the grocery store
- A book turned on its side and propped up can become a laptop for pretend office work
- A banana can even become an office phone
Do not worry if you do not have the perfect materials. You can help your child’s creativity soar by using one object to stand in for another.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is dramatic play for kids best for?
Children often start pretend play as toddlers, and it grows richer through the preschool and early school years. Roles, scripts, and storylines get more complex as language grows.
How do I start dramatic play with my child?
Pick a simple scene your child already knows, like a restaurant or a store. Take a role, follow your child’s ideas, and keep the conversation going.
What if my child does not play pretend?
Some children need more modeling to learn to play pretend. If your child shows little interest in pretend play, or play skills seem behind for their age, a speech-language evaluation can help.
How ETLC Can Help
Dramatic play opportunities are endless. If you would like more ideas for building your child’s language and social skills through play, our team is here to help. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about social skill development at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
You may also find these pages helpful:
- Build Language Skills During Play
- Boost Social Skills With Activities
- Support Speech and Language Through Play: 5 Tips
About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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