Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Creative Expression

Goal: Children demonstrate self-expression and creativity in a variety of forms and contexts, including play, visual arts, music, drama, and dance.

Skill Progression: Drama

Age: 36-42 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 36-42 Months.

Observe the child with whatever dramatic play materials are available. Involve siblings, peers, and adults as players. Typically, materials related to familiar routines like cooking, going to a restaurant, etc. work well.

Ask the child to take the lead in organizing dramatic play. What does he want to play? What roles does he want others to play? What should the players each do? If needed, an adult can suggest options and the child can choose and then develop that theme.

The child at this level develops a theme and acts out a simple sequence.

Encourage early childhood educators and parents to be play partners and assume a role in the child’s dramatic play. Children love to pretend they are the boss, parent, waitress, etc. so they can tell the adult what to do! It is fun to see how the child wields power!