Drama is the portrayal of life from a specific point of view. Children who enjoy dramatic play may imitate behavior patterns or create their own.
Children who engage in dramatic play have the ability to experiment with different roles, problem solving and conflict resolution while promoting abstract thinking. This can develop a child's ability to develop self-awareness and social skills in their environment. Children who participate in dramatic play can deepen their understanding of the world.
Dramatic play includes re-enacting stories or scenes from a book, role-playing, dress-up, puppet shows, fantasy play--such as pretending to be a dog or dinosaur--and other play opportunities. Classrooms often benefit from thematic units that focus on specific areas, such as dress-up themes, play materials and other growth opportunities that allow them to imitate actions of a person in a specific situation. For example, if a child plays shop, they might pretend to ring someone up or answer someone's questions.
When promoting dramatic play, it is often beneficial to provide age-appropriate props for children, such as a broken cell phone, hats, a cash box with play money or small blankets. In schools, teachers often rotate props to prevent boredom and behavioral problems. Young children are often dependent on props in their early development and benefit from a well-planned environment.
As a parent or teacher, you can encourage dramatic play by providing uninterrupted time, giving children props and a space for children to play with classmates, friends and siblings. Allow children to choose what they want to play and their role so they can make their own decisions.