How to Encourage Dramatic Play Outside of the Classroom

Dramatic play is a type of play that allows children to use their imaginations to create endless play scenarios. Dramatic play fosters creativity and individuality within the minds of children- especially when outside of the walls of the classroom. The outdoors is the perfect space for dramatic play.

Imagine the possibilities if you left it up to your students to facilitate their own play time. They would have the ability to discover new ideas on their own, solve problems, and experiment while talking to and working with one another.

Dramatic play is an integral part of a child’s developmental process as it allows children to think abstractly and exercise skills they may not be able to use during their time inside of the classroom.

Here are a few ideas on how to create an outdoor dramatic play area that will inspire children to kick start their imaginations and enter into their own worlds.

1. Have recess outdoors

Switch up the view from being inside all day and venture outside. Let children take charge of their play area by giving them an opportunity that promotes turn-taking, problem solving and, believe it or not, a high level of thinking. Breaking out of the classroom walls is a fundamental part of the developmental learning process as it provides a new environment where students will feel more comfortable with one another. The fresh air mixed with sunshine equals endless possibilities on the playground.

2. Designate a space for dramatic play

Students need their own space to partake in dramatic play. This space is different from where physical and active play may take place but will often compliment these other types of play. The dramatic play space is a place where children can pretend to be anything they want as they enter into their own worlds. Although you will take on the task of designating a space specifically for dramatic play, imaginations will take over from there and the area will quickly become a veterinary clinic or a magical village. This is a space where they can make up their own scenarios and pick right back up where they left off the last time they were playing.

3. Create a Play Village

Pair a few of our highly-detailed modern play facades together for an authentic dramatic play experience that encourages children to create their own, one-of-a kind story. Children will assign roles to each other and have the opportunity to act out dramatic experiences within the structured community of dramatic playhouses, vehicles, and panels. Start with a Vet Clinic facade, Gas Station Stand, and a Market facade to set the stage for successful dramatic play experiences. This part of the dramatic play area will help children consider other perspectives as they take on the roles of individuals in their communities.

4. Incorporate a Trike Track

The Trike Track compliments the dramatic play facades when children use it as a road to travel from one point on the playground to the next. When disputes centered around taking turns break out on the playground, the Trike Track sets up an avenue for conflict resolution and compromises as children are encouraged to take turns with the Trikes. Trike Tracks encourage social play and spacial awareness when they are paired with Trike Track Signs and dramatic play facades to create a complete dramatic play village. Don’t forget to create custom signs to place around your Trike Track as well as a Gas Station Stand to fill up the trikes.

5. Provide accessories

Dramatic play accessories such as a stone cottage or a sink and stove combo will surely tie your playground together. Providing children something they can touch, feel, and climb on is a necessary part of dramatic play and will foster inclusion on the playground. A simple accessory can turn into a learning experience that will go a long way in the mind of a child.