We've noticed an increased interest in baby play lately and extended this play by staging a baby wash outside. We noticed that several of the children were later attempting to change the doll's clothes and put them down for a nap. We joined in the play by talking quietly when the babies were "sleeping." We asked them if the babies were sick or just taking naps, and they told us that they were sleeping (great language practice). JL was the first to move his baby close to him for a 'snuggle.' AN placed his baby nearby for a nap. Once the babies woke up we talked about changing their diapers and keeping them clean. The boys immediately began to wipe and clean the dolls. Playing with dolls offers wonderful opportunities for the following types of growth:
-broadening perspective of others (babies need a caretaker)
-ceveloping compassion (Baby is hurt and crying - how can we help?)
-practicing complex thinking (what happens when the baby is hungry and we have no food?)
Small figures are great to take on trips too, for deep imaginative play in small spaces.
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