Role Play

Design and technology activity emerges naturally within many role play contexts, both indoors and outdoors. Adult support of such activities must done sensitively, as intervention at an inappropriate moment may damage or restrict the flow of children's play. Provision of props may be planned by the adult but involve the children as fully as possible. For example, a shop may be designed with the aid of children - rather than presenting them with an already made environment for their play. Start with a large drawing with annotations. Everyone's ideas may be recognised by writing down their contribution and the child writing their name next to the idea. This ideas sheet may be put on the wall. Further ideas can be applied to the plan, and it may also be used to inform parents about the design process. Brainstorming on the items needed, assembling the materials, making props and then trying them out is an important part of design and technology. How do we make shelves from the boxes and planks that we have? Where can we store the shampoo and the hairbrushes? Boxes may be joined with tape to make a storage system, plastic bottles can be cut down to make containers for hair brushes (use a tapered reamer to make a hole in the bottle, put some masking tape around the bottles for a cutting guide, then cut it with snips). The making of clip charts (which customer wants a cup of tea?), signs, a till and baskets often develop if children are provided with appropriate support and encouragement.