Observe the adult and child in doll or stuffed animal play with various doll-related play props.
The adult talks about what her baby or the child’s baby needs and waits for the child to commence actions in response. Modeling is a strong means of encouraging acting out activities with dolls or stuffed animals.
The child understands the application of simple daily routines to a doll or stuffed animal. The child sees the doll or stuffed animal as a recipient of conversation.
As the infant observes what adults do, she wants to imitate them. Encourage parents to provide props for the child to use with the baby doll or stuffed animal. The child’s blanket, a plastic glass, baby doll strollers or even the child’s own stroller will encourage imitation. Demonstrate for parents how to engage in dramatic play with the child. Adult modeling stimulates the child’s play and vocalizations.
 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015
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