Do you ever wonder why children pretend when they play? Why do they act like another person, or act out scenarios they may have seen or heard? Pretend play, or dramatic play is a child’s way of practicing new skills and vocabulary. Play gives them the opportunity to try something they haven’t done before without the pressure of doing it right.
I thought of creating this camping kit for a group of children who were talking about a recent camping trip. I could see the envy and curiosity of the children who had never done anything like it before. I was guided by the children’s interest to give them this experience, even if it was “just play”.
I started with a small tent that I had purchased years ago at a garage sale. I added my old camping dishes, a table cloth, and created a set of binoculars from paper rolls.
A camping lamp, pillows, a rug and a bird book were added. I created sticks with marshmallows to roast, and made a little camp fire with scraps of felt.
When creating a dramatic play kit, you want to consider what children can actually do, and what supplies you will need to encourage the play. If you need some help, I’ve provided a list below to get you started.
Remember that you can also use this kit indoors. Imagine your child in the long winter months, needing a relaxing getaway. Set this up with some blankets, pillows or a sleeping bag. Let the fun begin!!!
Supply List: Tent (or bed sheets to create a fort), items to create a pretend campfire, marshmallows on a stick, lantern, camp ground map, binoculars, park ranger vest and badge, park pass, hole punch, cooler, flashlight, camp dishes, bottles for pretend bug spray and sunscreen, lawn chair and a book about camping or nature.
A huge thank you to Louise Anderson Photo Media for capturing these moments.
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