Description
Book SynopsisDiscover simple ways to create rich, imaginative play experiences for your child using things you already have on hand. What makes childhood feel magical? One simple word: PLAY! Play is crucial for children—it is fun, allows them to work through complex ideas and emotions, leads to a sense of mastery, and is also a key way kids learn. Regrettably, the technology and busyness of our modern lives leave little room for this fundamental and important part of childhood.
Pretend Play Workshop for Kids offers a remedy with
hours of dramatic play scenarios paired with
simple crafts and
fun activities—
a rich resource for easy, ready-to-go alternatives to screentime.
Along the way, you will learn the benefits of these experiences, including the
social and emotional learning taking place, the
fine and gross motor practice, the
language development, the
mathematical thinking, and the
scient
Table of Contents
Introduction
How to Use This Book
What Is Pretend Play and Why Is It Important?
Supplies
1 Detective Office
Tools for Play
Setting the Scene
Make Your Own Pretend Briefcase and Badge
Fingerprinting Activity
Take a Scavenger Hunt
Create Invisible Ink Messages
2 Post Office
Tools for Play
Setting the Scene
Create a Mail Carrier and Mailbox
Letter-Sorting Activity
Fine Motor Stamps and Stickers
Make Your Own Postcard
Packing Peanut Creations
3 Spaceship
Tools for Play
Setting the Scene
Make Your Own Command Center
Create a Foil-Stamped Moon
Decorate Moon Rocks
Have Fun with Galaxy Oobleck
4 Coffee Shop
Tools for Play
Setting the Scene
Make Pretend Coffee Shop Treats
Design Your Own Coffee Bags
Pom-Pom Coffee Play
Sensory Jar Smell Experience
5 Art Museum
Tools for Play
Setting the Scene
Curate a Collection and Create Your Own Frames
Sculpt an Artifact Craft
Create Monochromatic Artwork
6 Laundry Time
Tools for Play
Setting the Scene
Make a Pretend Iron
Soapsuds Sensory Bin
Laundry Color Sort
Practice Laundry Folding
Clothespin Matching Activity
7 Ice Cream Shop
Tools for Play
Setting the Scene
Make Your Own Ice Cream
Make an Ice Cream Shop Hat
Ice Cream Sorting Activity
8 Doctor’s Office
Tools For Play
Setting the Scene
Make Your Own Doctor’s Coat and Badge
X-Ray Craft
Pom-Pom Prescription Sorting Activity
Fine Motor Bandage Activity
Make a Pretend Cast
Weight and Measuring Activity
9 Hair Salon
Tools For Play
Setting the Scene
Pretend Hair Dryer and Razor Craft
Have Fun with Yarn Haircuts
Build a Hair Tie Tower
Shaving Cream Play
PRETEND PLAY
10 Car Wash
Tools for Play
Setting the Scene
Make a Pretend Car with a Cardboard Box
Build a Pay Station
Make a Car Wash Hose
Sponge Squeezing Transfer Activity
Toy Car Wash Sensory Bin
11 Train Station
Tools for Play
Setting the Scene
Build a Train Map Route
Make Your Own Luggage Tags
Practice Punching Tickets
Make Train Whistles
Gross Motor Train Track Activity
12 Toy Store
Tools for Play
Setting the Scene
Receipt Writing Activity
Make a Shopping Basket
Set Up a Gift-Wrapping Station
Opening and Closing Time Activity
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Index
