One of the most effective ways for children to learn new skills is to model their behaviours off of others. Role playing is one example of how novel concepts can be developed over time. It is therefore only logical that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) should include this notion within its overall framework. Domestic roleplay is particularly common within classroom settings and there are a handful of suggestions to keep in mind so that children can be presented with the right situations at the appropriate times. Let us take a quick look at some professional tips and tricks.
The Notion of the “Home Corner”
The so-called “home corner” is any environment within a classroom that can be directly tied to roleplay. As the term already suggests, a home corner contains many of the same elements that would be found within a domestic household. Examples include kitchen utensils, bathroom accessories, and objects found throughout a living room. Now that we have briefly defined the concept of a home corner, what will educators need to take into account when designing one which resonates the most with younger children.
Important Questions to Ask
Teachers and caregivers should attempt to answer two relevant questions when creating a domestic role-playing environment:
- What types of activities will children be most likely to embrace within such settings?
- How can teachers include other aspects within the EYFS framework during a typical domestic role-playing session?
Perhaps the best way to address these issues is to create a realistic representation of a domestic environment. For instance, place items within this area that would normally be found throughout the home. Children who feel comfortable are much more likely to interact with nearby elements.
Incorporating Technology
As we are now living within a digital world, it stands to reason that children should be exposed to these very same resources within a domestic role-playing scenario. Teachers can choose to include tablets or laptops as choices. Or, it may be possible to create a fictional television and remote control so that a child becomes more acclimated to the presence of such items.
Speaking of technology, it is pivotal to mention that children should be monitored so that their role-playing strengths and weaknesses can be noted at an early age. User-friendly pupil tracking software is an excellent way to create notes within real-time settings and to analyse specific behavioural traits. These observations can likewise be shared with others when needed.
A Flexible Approach
One interesting case study highlighted by adopting a flexible approach is wise when developing a role-playing centre. For example, the simulated domestic environment can be modified based upon the time of the year (such as the season) or in accordance with holidays.
Domestic roleplay is an important portion of the EYFS framework and all of the suggestions mentioned above should come in quite handy. Children who are interested in a learning environment are much more likely to respond positively to what it is that you have to offer.