Part 1. Often play is not viewed as part of the learning experience, but instead as a break from it. Looking at what was said about play in Chapter 4 and the discussion on dramatic play this week, share what research says about play and its role in the early childhood classroom. Select one stage of play from the Developmentally Stages of Play section in Chapter 4 and share how that stage supports dramatic play. Then discuss the teacher’s role in that example (name the role and describe it).
Part 2. Share at least 1 community involvement and 1 family involvement opportunity you selected for your theme. Share what you selected and how you would go about doing this with a group of children and families. What would it take to happen?
In your peer responses, share additional insights, personal examples, and research on the stages of play, the roles of the teacher and families, and specifically dramatic play examples in early childhood classrooms and homes.