The Role Playing Center
In the role playing center children can play their way into understanding God's design for the roles and relationships within families. Here creative dramatics and social studies blend together. As children work on these roles and interactions, they also work on the development of their social skills.
Work in this area, although lots of fun, is very serious. Children play out feelings and struggle in their interactions. It is a place where social problems are addressed and interaction skills are developed.
There are may questions inside children's young minds: How does it feel to be a mommy? Can girls fix things or drive trucks? How does it feel to be a fireman? Pastor? Teacher? Here one can be younger or older in order to understand those older experiences, or to deal with issues left unresolved to the child.
Educational Value
- It is here that children work through some of their perceptions of adult roles. Children can assume assume the roles of whom they are trying to understand, both within the family household and those people who interact with families.
- With the assistance of actual homemade props, children can produce real life situations.
- There is emotional satisfaction as children play through their fantasies and think about the characters they represent. It also enables children to work at the big job of sorting through what is reality and distinguishing it from fantasy.
- Much social development occurs here. Children learn to barter, share and solve problems that deal with the feelings of others. For the most part, play in this area involves small groups and occasionally a large group when a "play" is being formed. (Initiated by the children).
- It is in this center that we encourage the understanding of positive Christian behaviors as we relate to our families. For example, Love, Forgiveness, Helping, Sharing, Encouragement and Commitment.
- Through the use of "prop boxes" the children are encouraged to identify with different adult models in their occupational roles. They also become familiar with the tools and vocabulary of that occupation.
- Creativity and problem solving skills are fostered as children develop a complicated life situation that leads to language skills and story development.