Dramatic Play from 1994 to the present
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59653241/barbiefashionistas.0.jpg)
As a child, I remember being a sponge
absorbing everything my Mom told me trying to emulate all that she did or said.
This is why dolls were a huge part of my dramatic play. “Dolls and figures also
help toddlers, both male and female, practice problem-solving and real-life
skills in a safe, fun way” (Brown, 2019). My mother would always buy black dolls
for me to play with and say, “In my day they never had black dolls to buy.” I couldn’t
understand where she was coming from until I was older because, she was born in
the ’50s and wanted me to feel safe, equal and inclusive in every environment I
encountered.
When
I was younger Erikson’s stage theory in its final version regarding “the play
age” allowed me to express initiative vs. guilt. I would play with my dolls and
give examples of humor; empathy; and resilience. I remember my man and woman doll
marrying, having children and living in a beautiful home. This was a perfect,
safe and happy place for me to express myself and feel comfortable. Today dramatic
play has broadened so many ways for the better. One of which is represented in
the pictures above. I have a little girl who has a doll that was made to look
like a mini version of her. They now have barbie dolls made of all colors,
shapes and sizes something that certainly did not exist in my time. For
example, I can buy a variety of different foods for my children to enjoy the dramatic
play by exhibiting different cultures. I can also purchase different dolls in
a wheelchair representing an unforgotten population.
I
hope to see dramatic play continue to progress leaving no population going unaccounted
for including every aspect of life. To allow it to be equally available the same
way general stereotypes are today. To emulate all occupations and cultures
worldwide.
References
Taylor, T., & Taylor, T. (2018, September 19). Early
Childhood Quotes. Retrieved November (2019),
from https://educationlearningtoys.com/fun/early-childhood-quotes/.
erikson's adult stages. (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2019,
from https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=Eriksons+adult+stages&fr=yhs-rotz- 001&hspart=rotz&hsimp=yhs-001&imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/- omyZgGoKBeA/UOi1vXIC77I/AAAAAAAAAlM/4M8- _5JlPmI/s1600/erikerikson.jpg#id=0&iurl=https://middleadulthood.weebly.com/uploads/ 2/3/7/5/23752362/5369313.jpg?700&action=click.
Lewanda, I agree with your quote play is a high expression of human development in childhood, because play allows our minds to explorer various things. Play also allows you to use your motor, cognitive, and social skills. Playing opens a child imagination. Like you I can I also remember playing with dolls rather it pretending to be a teacher, a doctor, etc. I agree watching and listening to my students playing with dolls and various items that are in the chest it amazes me the things they do and create. One group of students were playing school with some dolls they had from the principal to the teacher and students all in order and two pretended to get in trouble and listening to the learners coming up with positive consequences as well as solving the problem made me proud. I really enjoyed your post and your post showed just how important play is to early childhood, and beyond.
ReplyDeleteLewanda, I really like your quote " Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve and I learn." It is so important that teachers use a variety of learning styles to teach children. I am also a kinesthetic learner so I like to be hands on and active.
ReplyDeleteLewanda,
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate the variation of dolls you used to bring a visual of what you were fortunate to have. When I was growing up I had a lovely collection of Barbies and my favorite to play with became my Cabbage Patch Dolls. Both sets of dolls allowed my time of playing house and many other life scenarios to enhance my perception of life skills. I find it sad that children are not engaging in play as it was once done.
Violanda
Lewanda, I absolutely love the variety of pictures representing play. The pictures display diversity because I remember playing with barbies in the 80s and there weren't as many cultures and sizes represented.
ReplyDeleteI as well use to emulate my mother and my teachers. Growing up I felt like my teacher could do no wrong. After imitating then with my dolls as my students I realized I wanted to be a educator as well. I really enjoyed reading your blog!!!!
ReplyDelete