Play recipe
Dramatic play develops language, social skills, and emotional understanding.
Use unbreakable dishes.
A tea party is cups, stuffed guests, and a script: pour, offer, sip, thank you. Plastic cups are enough. The stuffed animals do the listening, which takes the pressure off a shy child and gives a chatty one someone to host.
You can sit and be a guest, which is low-energy hosting. Real water in a tiny amount is optional and messier. Pretend pouring still practices the wrist tip. Manners here are play, not a lecture: we pass the plate, we don't grab.
Pretend hosting is language and turn-taking: offering, waiting, and answering for a silent guest.
You'll need: Paper cube or dice, Markers
You'll need: Music (phone or speaker), Clear floor space
You'll need: Aluminum foil, Scissors (adult use)
You'll need: Clear floor space
You'll need: Magnifying glass (optional), Container for temporary observation, Nature area
You'll need: Blanket to lie on, Sunglasses (optional)
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