Literacy in Play

In their play, children can use a variety of literacy materials to act out every day events requiring the use of reading and writing. Sociodramatic play activities give children a chance to develop language and literacy skills, a deeper understanding of narrative, and their own personal responses to stories.

Teachers can encourage literacy use in children's play by stocking centers with related literacy materials and participating in play activities. Teacher participation in play activities provides opportunities for modeling of more complex literacy behaviors. Yet a guiding principle of play as a literacy learning opportunity is that it must remain the child's endeavor, teachers must be careful not to intrude.

Here are some suggestions to help you raise children's level of play without making it a teacher-directed activity:

• Select play themes that are familiar to children and have literacy potential.
• Separate the play center from the classroom with screens or tables.
• Label the play center with a sign hung at the children's eye level.
• Select dramatic play props related to play themes.
• Select literacy props related to play themes (such as appointment cards and book, patient charts, and prescription slips for a doctor's office).
• Arrange materials within the space to suggest a realistic setting related to the play theme.
• Help children see different uses for familiar props and create new props.
• Expand the repertoire of play themes and roles by exposing children to new and varied experiences.

Related Training:

Early Literacy

Fostering the Development of Language Skills