The Importance of Roleplay

by Brenda Casey, Early Years Advisor

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As well as feeding the imagination and encouraging empathy, roleplay is a powerful way of developing social skills.
Books make an excellent starting point for role play.
Recall and extend special moments in your favourite stories by using them appropriately in real life situations.
It's worth putting together a simple dressing up box for your child.
All children need their own space and privacy, particularly in the area of role play.
Children who are comfortable with roleplay delight in giving performances for family and friends on special occasions like birthdays or Christmas'.
Role reversal is fun for young children, particularly when it involves becoming Mum or Dad for a while.
A very important aspect of role play is the function it plays in socialisation - encouraging friendship through cooperation, listening and turn taking.

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