| Creative play should be on every child's daily schedule. | | | | recycled paper, empty small bottles for make believe |
| Usually when the word "creativity" is mentioned, the | | | | medicine, and used scarves or towels as bandages |
| first thing we think about is art and craft. However, | | | | and blankets. I'm sure kids will have lots of fun |
| creative play is more than that. One activity under | | | | making up injuries and illnesses then figuring out how |
| the banner of creative play is role playing. | | | | to remedy it. |
| What are the benefits of role playing? | | | | You could also have a restaurant box. Put in some |
| - For one thing, you gain insight into how the child | | | | paper plates, paper money, cutlery and aprons. Help |
| thinks and feels. Most of the time as adults, it's | | | | the children figure out what goes into the menu and |
| difficult for us to come down to their level and to | | | | then they can practice ordering, serving and eating. |
| understand their world. How can we guide a child | | | | Great way to learn about table manners and how to |
| effectively when we can't see things from their | | | | behave when eating out. |
| perspective? When we truly know what they are | | | | 3. Dress Up Box: |
| going through, then our teaching becomes more | | | | Great way to recycle some of that stuff in the |
| personal and powerful. | | | | cupboard such as hats, coats, scarves, dresses, |
| - It gives opportunities for mental growth. Children | | | | shirts, shoes and accessories. Children love to |
| can experiment and explore new ideas and new | | | | experiment with different looks and pretend to be |
| ways of thinking without pressure. | | | | someone else. |
| - It builds problem solving skills. While role playing, | | | | 4. Play Pretend to be Mommy/Daddy: |
| they are put into situations that require them to | | | | Don't you wish your children knew what you have to |
| make choices and decisions. | | | | do everyday? Even better, would you like to know |
| - It encourages self expression and helps them cope | | | | what your children think you do everyday? Well, here |
| with their feelings. It is not the adults that determine | | | | is your chance. If you work in the office, then set up |
| what goes on during play but the children. They are | | | | a mini workstation, as similar to yours as possible. If |
| the directors and script writers. | | | | you are a stay-at-home-mom running around all day, |
| - Definitely fosters their imagination. | | | | then the stage is already set as your home is your |
| So here are 5 ideas you can do in your home to | | | | office. Discuss the things you encounter and explain |
| foster creative play. | | | | some of your responsibilities. Then have them play |
| 1. Playing Shop: | | | | you (and maybe you can play them.) |
| Create a make believe shop such as a grocery shop. | | | | 5. Set Up School: |
| You can use items found around the house such as | | | | Create a schoolroom setting with chairs and desks. |
| tin cans, used cereal boxes, plastic fruits etc.... Decide | | | | Of course someone has to play teacher and |
| how you are going to price the items, make some | | | | someone else has to be the student. You could |
| paper money and don't forget the shopping cart (you | | | | always recruit dolls to be the other students. Don't |
| could just use a basket or a box). Decide who gets | | | | forget about the homework bit. You could also |
| to shop and who gets to be the shopkeeper. Help | | | | create a Principal's office and have situations where |
| your children make a shopping list and then start | | | | students get sent there. |
| shopping. | | | | I'm sure you or your children can come up with many |
| 2. Make Prop Boxes: | | | | more ideas for creative play. If there is a certain |
| Girls love to play hair dressers. You could prepare a | | | | issue you would like to tackle, why not use this |
| hairdressing prop box with stuff like combs, brushes, | | | | method? It won't sound like a lecture, you may learn |
| clips, empty bottles of shampoo, conditioner, cream, | | | | something you didn't know through your children's |
| rollers, and an old hairdryer (without the cord of | | | | self expression, plus you involve them in the problem |
| course). | | | | solving. Above all, I'm sure they will treasure the time |
| How about a medical prop box? A white shirt/coat | | | | you spend with them, making the experience most |
| for the doctor, plastic medical toys, old clipboard with | | | | invaluable. |