Building Language and Literacy Through Play

When children act out stories, plays, and scenarios, they practice new vocabulary associated with these new themes. This is very important since mastery of new words cannot be accomplished without children using these words in a meaningful context. Producing the words during play assures us that the children actually understand what the word means. Also, as children take on different roles, they try out new expressions and intonations that best fit their characters.

With the repertoire of roles growing, so does their vocabulary, mastery of grammar, pragmatics of language, and metalinguistic awareness (children's knowledge of language and how it is used). For example, when playing "school," children start using longer and more complex sentences when they act out the role of the teacher or the librarian, incorporating in their speech the words and expressions that they do not use if they play "students."

Another important thing children learn as they act out new themes and new roles is that there are many reasons for people to use reading and writing. For example, a doctor will mix up two X-ray films if she does not write the patients' names on them. The firefighters will not be able to find the house on fire if they cannot read a map.

Related Training:
Creativity in Dramatic Play - 3 hours