Dramatic Play: Dramatic play can be defined as a type of play
where children accept and assign roles, and then act them out. It
is a time when they break through the walls of reality, pretend to
be someone or something different from themselves, and dramatize
situations and actions to go along with the roles they have chosen
to play. And while this type of play may be viewed as frivolous by
some, it remains an integral part of the developmental learning
process by allowing children to develop skills in such areas as
abstract thinking, literacy, math, and social studies, in a timely,
natural manner.
Slide 3
Roberto Claudio Roberto Claudio is a 4.5 year old young boy.
Roberto has been attending Sharon Baptist Head Start for the past 5
months. He has an older sister which he loves dearly. His parents
and grandparents speak to him in both English and Spanish language
which he has grown to learn and is able to communicate with his
peers whos native language is Spanish. Roberto is very energetic
and talkative that sometimes needs reminders to ease down. He has
extremely strong verbal skills, has a great memory, loves listening
and re- telling books. Roberto is very interactive with his peers
and teachers and is always eager to learn. One thing Roberto needs
constant reminders in is with his frustration. He begins yelling
loudly at his peers and crying when problems occur.
Slide 4
Setting: Block Area Roberto loves to work at the block area
with his peers. He likes to assign roles; often the leader. In this
particular setting, Roberto is building a building for all his
Angry Bird figures. (he has brought in his angry bird figures for
show and tell) He puts on the construction uniform and begins
hammering away his structure. He tells his friend to make sure he
has all the tools ready for him because he is his helper. While
stacking the blocks, he used the measuring tool to measure the side
of the rectangular block along with a cylinder. When I asked him
why he was measuring the block he said because I need to make sure
the yellow angry bird can go in and stay safe. He continues to
built his structure along with his assistance even using foam color
blocks. Roberto has great creativity and imagination skills.
Slide 5
Dramatic Play Skills Checklist ItemEvidenceDates __ Does
pretend play by himself _x_ Assigns roles or takes assigned roles
Took role of the constructer and assigned his peer to be his helper
March 2014 _x_ Needs particular props to do pretend play Used tool
box and construction uniform March 2014 _x_ Takes on
characteristics and actions related to roles Takes measurement of
blocks before building his tower March 2014 _x_ Uses language for
creating and sustaining plot __ Enacts exciting danger- packed
themes Talked about how he was going to build the tower for all his
Angry Birds. No March 2014
Slide 6
Areas of STrength Roberto shows fondness of peers in time of
distress. If he witnesses one of his peers in a conflict or crying
he immediately comes to their rescue. Re- telling of stories
especially The Three Little Pigs is one of his favorite stories.
Dramatizing and using his imagination throughout work time
especially at the block area. Uses acceptable language and social
rules during communication with others. Demonstrates fine/gross
motor manipulative skills. Uses number concepts and
operations.
Slide 7
Areas needing strengthing Roberto needs constant redirection of
using inside voice during conflict with peers. He tends to yell at
his friends like for example, if a friend doesnt want to play with
him or during parallel play, if a friend has something he wants
like a square magnetic tile to built his tower and the friend says
no, he immediately reacts and begins crying and yelling at his
friend. Sometimes when Roberto doesnt get his way can be a burden
as well.
Slide 8
Authentic Learning Experiences To build on Robertos area of
need I would have two of his peers role play his anger behavior. To
his way he can experience how it feels and look when he behaves in
the inappropriate manner. I would then ask him how did his friends
look and feel during their behavior. Reinforce how to solve social
problems through negotiation. Read him a story about feelings like
When Sophie gets Angry, Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang Provide
him with feedback and praise Problem-solving skills Ensuring
positive attention can help facilitate a healthy outcome.
Slide 9
A B C D During transition to areas, Roberto(A), will be able to
accept that the block area is full (C) I will assign him to the
computer area until block area is available.(B). He will wait
patiently without distress and work at the computer area until its
his turn (D).
Slide 10
Childrens Pretend Play by Years 1 Year- Engages in single acts
of symbolic play 2 Years- Replays fragments of everyday experiences
(may use props; mostly solitary play) 3 Years- Often needs
particular props for play with group; will take roles assigned by
more mature player 4 Years- Assigns roles; takes assigned roles;
often the leader (parallel or group play) 5 Years- Mostly group
play; more complex scenarios; more language
Slide 11
Observing Children in Dramatic Play The importance of dramatic
play for childrens development of thinking, speaking, forming
relationships, seeing things from anothers perspective, and
learning social and prosocial skills put it at the top of the list
of daily curriculum activities (beaty, 2014).
Slide 12
Video at block play
Slide 13
References Beaty, J.J. (2013). Observing Development of the
Young Child. (8 th edition) New Jersey: Pearson, Merrill Prentice
Hall
