If you are employed in a state that uses a registry to track professional development hours, you will be able to provide your registry ID (Stars, MOPID, Registry or other ECE ID#) after you have completed the quiz for the course. If you pass the quiz we will report your course completion to the state registry using the registry ID that you provide.

Explore the possibilities of dramatic play and discover how purposeful, engaging experiences can expand young children’s imagination, creativity, social skills, and confidence. Designed for early childhood professionals, this course examines dramatic play centers, theme boxes, materials, and strategies for encouraging all children to participate. Participants will explore practical ideas, consider ways to support different personalities and interests, and learn how to create theme boxes on a variety of budgets. Apply these strategies to transform dramatic play into a meaningful learning experience. Course length – 2.5 hours.

The course answers the following questions:

• What types of things should be in the dramatic play center?

• How does pretending to be someone else help a child?

• How can I encourage shy children to overcome shyness and grow creatively, intellectually and emotionally using this center?

• How can I encourage all of the children to spend time in dramatic play?

• What are theme boxes?

• How can theme boxes help my classroom and center?

• Can I put together theme boxes with a small budget?

• What are some ideas for a variety of theme boxes?

Participants who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• Identify at least three ways a dramatic-play center supports children’s imagination, learning, and development with 80% accuracy on the course assessment.

• Develop a dramatic-play lesson that helps children express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

• Design a dramatic-play theme box that includes at least five appropriate materials and supports learning in at least three developmental areas.