What is Sociodramatic Play?
Sociodramatic play is a type of free play in which children engage in creative and imaginative social interactions. Children participate in the use of manipulatives, switch between different roles, and engage in conversations with others. Sociodramatic play has been shown to effectively promote the development of social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills in children with autism. Additionally, the opportunities for social interactions between autistic students and their peers can improve due to the development of academic and social skills.
How Do I Create Sociodramatic Play?
When creating a quality sociodramatic play environment, parents or teachers should create a center that appeals to the children, promote the story lines, and evaluate the play. When choosing a theme, consider the personal interests of the children and provide individual roles in which the children can take on as they play in the center. Place the center in an area in the classroom or home that is inviting and pleasant. Label each object and area in the center and provide opportunties for the children to speak, write, read, and listen. Provide various manipulatives for the children to play with and rotate these materials between play sessions. Let the children create storylines and situations while in the center without interrupting their play. Finally, introduce a new theme after a period of time that will include new manipulatives and distinct roles for the children.
References:
Bergen, D. (2002). The role of pretend play in children’s cognitive development. Journal of Early Childhood Research & Practice, 4(1).
Calabrese, N. (2003). Developing quality sociodramatic play for young children. Education, 123(3).
