Explain why dramatic play is one of the most valuable types of children’s play

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Play is the natural language of the child. It helps a child observe and respond to her relationship to others and to the world in which she lives. Play is at the core of developmentally appropriate practice. Dramatic play helps to expand this important self­motivated behavior that will serve each child throughout her life. An infant’s awareness of human expression, gestures, and sounds is the beginning of creative thinking. Toddlers love the world of pretend. Although toddlers may pretend for short periods of time alone, they need other children and adults to give words and some direction to their play. “Early childhood educators know the value of dramatic play with preschoolers. Children learn empathy as they practice literally putting themselves in someone else’s shoes. Language is enhanced as their play characters express themselves to their peers and social relationships are strengthened” (Miller, 2002). They’re trying out new ways to solve problems as well as trying on being adults. Play handles a child’s uniqueness of being little in a world of big people. Through dramatic play, a young child can indicate confusion or misinterpretation of facts, as well as possible fears and attempts to master these fears. “Dramatic play can help children grow in social understanding and cooperation; it provides a controlled emotional outlet and a means of self­expression” (Deiner, 2010).