Effective Practice:

The following steps aid effective learning and teaching in role-play areas:

Let the children generate the focus/theme for the play

Brainstorm ideas with the children for what might be in the area

If possible, visit an example of the real thing e.g. a garage, book shop

Make the resources out of recycled materials e.g. boxes

Back up the play theme with tasks related to it e.g. write about your visit, design clothes for your shop

Support the learning with adult-modelled play to demonstrate the behaviour you would get in the real world

Carefully introduce related vocabulary, don’t overestimate children’s familiarity with this

Use lots of related props in the role play area

Create lots of Literacy and Numeracy links in the area

Change the provision in response to children’s adaptation of play, be responsive and observant of their play

Use signs and labels as a way of enriching the learning potential within the area