Ideas for Teaching and Documenting

Observe how children play with others, the content of their play, and how they manage issues that arise. 

Plan opportunities for children to play and interact with each other in small groups. 

Provide a magnitude of materials to encourage play. 

Spend time in the dramatic play area, becoming part of the play when it is simplistic by asking questions and extending play into more complex storylines with additional roles.  Invite those who do not usually engage in dramatic play.  However, be sure to exit the play once the children are involved in the storyline. 

Encourage dramatic play in areas around the classroom.  For example, build a city in the block area and have drivers stuck in traffic on the roads or write letters and deliver them as postal workers in the writing center.

This information is also available in the ELS Guide Book for future reference.