Repurposing Dramatic Play

It's Scott from Brick by Brick. I love to repurpose materials—use materials in ways different from their intended purpose.

Dramatic play, pretend play, is such a great activity for preschoolers. They love to pretend to be someone else - to try out different roles. And your home center or dramatic play center is a great place to repurpose items for play. Here are a few ideas.

Empty food containers - use the container for pretend cooking or to play grocery store.

Bed sheet - toss a flat sheet over a table for an instant tent for camping or for a reading nook

Old technology - use old keyboards, phones, and other technology for office or communication play.

Kitchen utensils - mix in "real" mixing bowls, spoons, spatulas, cookie sheets, and cutting boards with play dishes for more cooking possibilities

Boxes - use old mailing boxes to pretend to pack and move

Tools - use tape measures, goggles, and work aprons from the hardware store to enhance play with pretend tools

Draining rack - add a real draining rack to a dishpan of water to wash dishes.

Purses and wallets - adding purses and wallets from the dollar store or thrift store can enhance all kinds of shopping play

In many cases, we don't necessarily use something in a completely different way. But we use "non play" items for play. Look for ways to repurpose different items and real tools to create even more fun possibilities in your dramatic play center.