The Store

Creating a store (the chair is the counter) is another popular play sequence. JL and AN are deepening their play with more complex interactions. They regularly set the chair on it's side, pile up toys behind it, and wait for customers. If none are forthcoming they will yell out "store!" Wesupport the play by giving baskets to other children for shopping, making signs, and supplying items to sell such as empty food boxes. Eventually the store is abandoned, but will be re-created at a later time. With mixed ages imaginary play is often transferred from the older to younger children and everyone benefits. Again, we use this play as a time to deepen thinking with questions like, "how many can I buy?" or "how much is this item?" or by asking them to offer solutions to problems: "I don't have any money, how can I get some?" We also encourage items in the store so we can shop more easily. The options are endless!