Role-play activities benefit preschool children in many ways, according to research published by the Waldorf Research Institute. A role-play preschool game develops language and communication while children engage in social actions requiring attention and listening. Children act out a specific role, such as princess, prince, king or jester. Dress-up clothing including princess costumes and accessories like play food create the story. For example, ask the children to create a party for the princess. The kids create a story through the role-play including the reason for the party, the menu items and the list of guests.
One duty of a preschool teacher using the princess theme includes actively avoiding gender bias, according to EdChange. Prompt the children to interact and guide the play when necessary. For example, teachers prevent the passive reinforcement of typical gender based roles by persuading the princess to be the hero instead of the victim.
A scavenger hunt game incorporates the princess theme into a preschool lesson. Princess-themed images such as a princess hat, frog prince, crown or castle allow the teacher to create a variety of games dependent on the skill level of the children. Hide alphabet letters around the classroom and ask the child to find the letter for each image. Alternately, use letter cards and hide the images. A verbal prompt encourages the preschooler to expand on the purpose of the item. For example, ask the child to explain the link between a castle and a princess.
An expanded version of the scavenger hunt princess preschool game uses real objects instead of cards. A pair of two items turns the scavenger hunt into a matching game. Each child takes a small object, such as a toy frog or magic wand, and searches the classroom for the counterpart. A princess scavenger hunt using objects also offers ways to practice math. Hide plastic gems, jewelry and gold coins and send the children on a search for a specific amount of the princess' lost treasure.
Pass the glass slipper turns the game of hot potato into a princess activity. Discuss the glass slipper's relevance and if possible, read a related story. Sit the children in a circle and choose princess-themed music for the game. The kids practice paying attention and agility while passing the glass slipper around until the music stops. Whoever holds the slipper when the music stops leaves the game. The last person with the glass slipper wins. Select a prize that benefits everyone, such as allowing the winner to choose between two options for the next activity.