Role play is a type of pretend play where children get into character and act out a role or real life context. Role play is an active, social activity where children can get into character and use role play to reflect on and develop their knowledge of a topic.
Whist role play is a fun, and a ‘playful’ activity, it is also a key component of learning. Role play is essentially learning through play.
Learning through role play is so important that within the Early Years Primary classroom and nursery schools, there is usually an assigned ‘role play area’. This area can be decorated to suit particular topics and props can be left out for children to use and explore.
Whilst role play is usually a child-led activity, the adult’s role can be vital. Rules need to be clearly established with (or by) the children and an adult can prompt discussions or ask questions to help children think about their pretend environment and learn from it.
By getting the kids to make up the role play area with you and establish rules together they are more likely to develop a sense of responsibility for it. Children need to understand that the role play area is there for them to enjoy and there are rules. For example, if a child rips up all the paper there will be nothing for them to draw on, or if they start pushing and not sharing then less friends will be allowed in at a time.
Children can learn quickly the positive and negative impacts of their actions from role plays through the reaction of adults and their friends.
Role play is an effective learning tool as it encourages children to become active participants in their learning. They can move about, put themselves in someone else’s shoes, perhaps wear a costume and use props, communicate and make decisions in character, which will allow them to take risks and explore different areas. Learning from role play is therefore far more likely to stick with children than for example doing exercise sheets, mostly because they will be much more willing and enthusiastic!
As a teacher, it is a great sign if you see the children you teach in the playground acting out what they have just learnt. This shows that you have grabbed their attention and engaged their curiosity.
Most role play areas will reflect a real life context. Role play is therefore an effective way for children to make sense of the world around them. Setting up a doctor’s room, supermarket, police station or even swimming pool will allow children to explore these real life contexts. In any role play area there can be opportunities to develop children’s writing and Mathematic skills. Just leaving a pen and paper out will encourage children to write or ‘mark-make’ without a fear of getting something wrong. For example, when setting up a supermarket, you could make blank shopping lists for the children to write on or give them pre-made shopping lists for them to collect items– so 3 oranges 5 lemons – this will encourage younger children to practice counting for a purpose other than assessment in a classroom.
Role play is especially beneficially for developing language, both for children with English as an additional language and for native English speakers. As well as vocabulary and language, role play develops a toddlers communication skills as they communicate with each other in a safe ‘play’ environment. Role play is the most effective way of acquiring language.
In essence, role play provides
opportunities to develop skills in various different areas of the curriculum for example: numbers, history, culture and many other areas.Role play is a great way to learn at all ages!
Want some ideas for role play games at home with your children?
Dobson, 2004, Open University.
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