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

Subdomain: Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning

Goal: Children demonstrate the ability to think about their own thinking: reasoning, taking perspectives, and making decisions

Skill Progression: Making decisions

Age: 24-27 Months

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Set up props for a familiar routine for dramatic play, as described above. Let the child take charge of the dramatic play scenario as much as possible.

As a play partner, ask the child, “Who should I be?” or give the child an option, “Should I be the baby or the mommy?” “What should I do now?” Let the child lead. Add dialogue to stimulate additional ideas (“Mommy, I’m all wet and cold!”)

Because the dramatic play involves a familiar set of actions, the child will be able to lead the play with directions and gestures.

Let parents know that they don’t need to buy lots of fancy toys for dramatic play. At this age real or realistic props are best. Their role is to value dramatic play, provide the materials from home, and be a play partner when needed. Sometimes, they just need to stimulate the idea and their child will run with it. Children love to tell their parents what to do, so let them do it in play!