Let’s go to the shore! By setting up a beach themed dramatic play area, children can enjoy the surf and sand no matter what time of year. Winter or spring, rain or shine, spending “a day at the beach” will get little learners to engage in role-playing and make-believe. These actions are essential to helping develop the mind and body of preschoolers.
To get started, it is important to figure out where the play zone will be and how big the space is. This will help to determine what type of decorations and how many props should be available for the dramatic play area. Whether setting up in the home or early learning classroom, make sure children have enough room to let their imaginations grow!
Creating a Beach Dramatic Play Area
When creating a fun-filled day in the sun, be certain to have the necessary beach-themed props. Get everyone involved by asking what should be included on the trip to the beach. Have each child name something they would like to bring and go get it from the prop box. Some things to consider having on hand might be:
- Umbrella
- Towels
- Beach ball
- Snorkel
- Goggles
- Picnic basket
- Portable radio
- Water table
- Life preservers
- Sea shells
- Sandbox
- Bucket
- Beach chairs
- Cooler
- Sunglasses
- Beach bag
- Bathing suits
- Flip flops
- Sand tools
- Books
Now that all the children are ready to go, hop in a cardboard box bus or wagon train and head over to the “beach”. Upon arriving, set out the towels and stand up the umbrella to keep out of the hot sun and in the cool shade. Put on some imaginary sunblock and play in the water at the water table or the sand in the sandbox. Dress up in beach cover-ups, sunglasses, and big hats. Encourage the children to be free to express themselves and have fun in their own way. This allows for personal growth both physically and emotionally.
In addition to free dramatic play, establish a few structured group activities. If there is enough room in the play area, have a beach ball toss or a game of pantomiming charades. Children can engage in some pretend beach adventures, such as swimming the ocean, surfing the waves, or deep-sea fishing. Act out a scenario with lifeguards coming to the rescue, or play a game of pirates in search of gold treasure.
Gather everyone on the beach towels to share stories. Have children participate by telling a personal experience of beach time. Did they ever go to the beach, and if not, would they like to go? What beach did they go to? Who did they go with? What did they do at the beach? Did they like it? Keep everyone engaged by asking questions and taking turns.
There are many different ways that children learn. Using their imagination through dramatic play helps them to discover themselves, as well as others. Dramatic play creates various scenarios that teach problem solving skills and involves children in new experiences. Allowing early learners to engage in pretend activities is valuable to their childhood development. So, next time their imaginations are running wild, maybe consider joining them in their adventures.
Tell Us: What do you include in your beach play area?