Dramatic Play and Prop Boxes


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Tips for Using Prop Boxes in Dramatic Play

  • Try to get computer paper boxes donated to store items between use. Label neatly with contents of box.
  • Not all prop items or ideas are appropriate for all ages - always consider safety first.
  • Rotate these items frequently and you will prevent boredom (and behavioral problems due to boredom) in your classroom.
  • Parents are a great resource for prop box item donations.
  • Do not allow stereotyping based on sex. All children should be allowed to explore any 'role' they choose.
  • Share prop boxes and resources throughout the center.
  • View dramatic play and prop box enrichments as opportunities to build upon skills and learn concepts.

Ideas for Props for Dramatic Play

The Beach

blankets
picnic basket
beach umbrella
sunglasses
beach ball
pretend suntan lotion
beach towel
buckets and shovels
shells
lawn chairs
straw hats
play picnic foods
Beach Boys music
swimming caps
surfboard
Snorkels
fins
flip flops

Flower Shop

plastic flowers
watering can
seeds
florist smock
flower/garden magazines
garden hats
dsmall garden tool
spotting soil
vases
Garden gloves
ribbon
order book and pen
cash register/money
phone
plastic pots
Styrofoam squares
baskets

Restaurant

tablecloth napkins dishes tablewear menus (made w/ food pics) order pads/pencils Sign for restaurant aprons hats Cash register trays play food

Veterinarian

stuffed animals
cotton balls
gauze
surgical masks
pamphlets on animals
plastic gloves
play money
needless syringes
exam table
empty medicine bottles
pet brushes
white lab coat
pet carriers
magnifying glass
stethoscope

Fire Fighter

yellow rubber raincoats
boots
old vacuum hose
phone
whistle
fire hats
stepladder
flashlight
fire safety posters
walkie-talkies
gloves
baby dolls (to rescue)

Plumber

piping - shapes, sizes
tools
toolbox
measuring devices
spigots
plungers hose/nozzles
hardware store flyers
old shirt (w/ logo on pocket)

Tourist / Vacation

suitcases
tickets
sunglasses
maps
Hawaiian shirts
passports
travelers checks/money
postcards
travel magazines
camera

Bakery

fresh playdough
measuring spoons
rolling pins
aprons
oven mitts
cookie sheets
pictures of baked goods
chefs hat
muffin tins
cake pans
mixing bowls
spoons
cake decorators
order pads
recipes
cookie cutters
flour shaker
cupcake papers

Post Office

envelopes
postcards
stamps (seals/stickers)
boxes or packages
dufflebag
junk mail
mailbox
scale
mailperson hat
stickers
paper punch
cash register
old blue shirt
cash register
pens, pencils,
paper

Fishing

boat (box)
styrofoam packing
worms
net
tackle box
sinkers/bobbers
fishing hat
pole w/ string,
fish (w/ magnets)
binoculars
fishing magazines
camera
thermos

Campping / Forest Ranger

canteen
flashlight
tent
knapsack
grill fake campfire
sticks w/ marshmallows
binoculars
small skillet
mosquito-netting
nature books
food supplies
sleeping bags
thermos
fishing poles
fly swatter
plastic ants
small cooler
lawn furniture
orange vests
paper plates

House Painter

smocks
paint brushes
paint rollers
buckets of water
paint
rags
paint trays
cap
old shirts
step ladder
color sample wheels

Astronaut

helmet
airtank
earphones
globe
control panel
moonboots
flag
moonrocks
walkie-talkies
star decals
a rocketship
food in plastic bags

Optometrist

eye chart
pointer
glasses
table
mirror
white lab coat
glass cases
wooden spoon
pictures of eyes

Jewelry Store

old jewelry 
necklaces, bracelets
cash register
play money
display case
jewelry boxes
mall mirrors

Shoe Store

lots of shoes
shoe boxes
cash register
play money
ruler or foot measurer
shoestrings
shoe horn
sacks
pictures of shoes
hook w/ service numbers
small chairs
full-length mirror
shoe polish (empty)
order pad
extra shoe laces

Doctor / Nurse

paper nurses hats
surgical masks/booties
stethoscope
cotton balls
band aids
telephone
scale
white aprons or lab coat
small flashlight
hot water bottle
gauze
rubber gloves
dolls/doll beds
syringes (w/o needles)
empty medicine bottle
hospital gown
doctor bag
x-rays
thermometer
rx pad/files
old crutches

Wedding

white dresses
veil or lace curtain
bride magazines
wedding cake
rings
bow ties
flowers
paper to make invites
white dress up shoes
suit
decorations
black clergy robe
wedding pictures
camera
"Just Married" sign

Hair Stylist

plastic combs
mirrors
hairpins
rollers
spray bottles
barrettes
appointment book
plastic capes
brushes
hair dryer
magazines
play money
curling irons
empty shampoo bottles
ribbons
posters of hair styles
telephone
hair clips
wigs/wig heads
towels
headbands
Note: things used on hair must be sanitized after use by children.

Gas Station / Auto Mechanic

tools/tool box
steering wheels
play money
work clothes
oil cans
gas hose
cash register
squeegee/bucket
poster with prices
tire gauge
car keys
funnel (for oil)
rags
tire pump
auto supply catalogue
gas can (new)
used/washed or new auto parts

Office Worker

desk
name plate
old forms/files
typewriter
briefcase
memo pad
phones/phone books
paper/pens/pencils
calculator
stamps
old computer
stapler
paperclips
junk mail
pen holder
rolodex

Police Officer

pad for writing tickets
small clipboard
police hat
stop signs
license plates
blue shirt
walkie-talkie
badge
911 signs
black belt
steering wheel
whistle

Grocery Store

play food
check out area
egg cartons
paper bags
cash register
play money
sale flyers
grocery cart/basket
aprons
purses/wallets
plastic fruit/vegetables
coupons

Car Wash

tricycles
buckets
water
buckets
sponges
squeegees
hose
car wash signs
play money

School

chalkboard/chalk
notebooks
pencils/paper
books
backpack
lunchbox
chairs
teachers desk
flag

Pizza Parlor

discarded pizza boxes
play money
order pad
phones
bakery aprons
cash register
stove
play pizza cutter
prep area
cardboard circles
(pizzas) with felt on one side
felt toppings - green peppers, mushrooms,etc

Bank

play money
deposit slips/checks
bankbooks
adding machine/calculator
teller window
cash box
rubber stamps/ink pads
paper/pens
coin rolls

Ice Cream Parlor

ice cream scoops
paper cones
empty ice cream tubs
play money/cash register
apron and hat
order pads/pencils
wipe-off board menu
empty whipped cream spray cans

Other prop box ideas

Science Lab * Cider Mill * New Baby * Bear Cave * Farmer * Dancer * Carpenter * Reporter * Music Store * Train Conductor * Pilot * Maid * Magician * Telephone Repairmen * Book Store * Library * Clothing Store * Picnic * Seamstress * Sporting Goods Store * Dentist * Fast Food Drive-thru * Pet Shop * Birthday Party * Travel Agency * Movie Theater * The Zoo * Window Washer * Royalty * Play * The Circus * Rancher * Weatherman * Hat Shop * Photography Studio * Repair Shop * Costume Shop

I learn through dramatic play!

When I am dressing up or playing in the Dramatic Play Area, I try on various roles to help me process and understand my world. I am developing my social skills and ability to play with others, while using my imagination and being creative.

I Can! By Peter and Katie Stewart

I can use my imagination
To set a fantasy free
I can perform and be someone else
The inspiration comes from me!
There are places I'll explore
That I may never get to see.
There are people I can play
Who I may never get to be.
Not tomorrow, but today
I can through dramatic play!
I can be a pirate
With my dirty, strong mates.
Through my spyglass I look for treasure
As I sail the seas and straights.
I can be a princess
Beautiful and fair
The only entrance to my tower
Is to climb up my long hair.
I can be a fairy
And know how to fly
I'll wear a dress made of petals
Drink honey and never cry.
I can be a dish
And run away with a spoon.
Or a genie in a lamp
Or ride a unicorn past the moon.
I can dance around a tribal fire
Or daintily sip my tea.
Or I can make people cry, clap, and laugh
The inspiration comes from me.
And after I've been every thing
I can possibly pretend to be
I can realize how special
It is to be me!

Copyright 2005 ~Cathy Abraham