What are some suggestions for dramatic play activities centered around geography?

Question

I'm thinking of having some maps and travel magazines and a "magic" carpet but I need ideas on some other props.

Answer 1

Id use real things lke a small suitcase and put find clothing from differents locations that people may wear such as a kimona from japan or sombrero for Mexico also you could put things in there like a play train, airplane , etc.

Answer 2

Well I work in preschool and I love to bring culture into the dramatic play area. You just have to be careful not to be "touristy" about. A lot of people who try to incorporate culture into the curriculum go about it either not knowing what they're talking about or portraying the culture in the wrong way which can actually insult families.

I have a world map displayed in my classroom and how to say hello and goodbye in various languages. I also have displayed in the dramatic play area pictures of diverse people and families. I also have the colors posted in different languages. Currently they are in english, french, spanish, japanese, and polish. I also like to sing songs and count with them in various language as well.

In the dramatic play area you could have multicultural babies of different ethnic backgrounds. You could display pictures from magazines of people around the world. My kids love looking at the pictures. You could gather clothing that's prevelent to a couple cultures in the world along with the different kinds of play food. (All can be bought through Discount School Supply). You can even place a globe in the dramatic play area so they can pretend traveling across the world.

These are just a few ideas I have from my center. I hope this helps you in some way.

Answer 3

paper suitcases and passports as they visit each area they get a sticker. "cameras" for pictures; postcards they can mail back to friends. Binoculars for seeing things far away up close.

Answer 4

The suitcases are great and also some maps. Let the kids make maps in the art center to take with them to the dramatic play center. This gives them ownership from start to finish. Also, place some maps in there of other countries and if you can obtain some brochueres from your state.

You can also put some cameras in there-disposable kinds, and tell the kids to take pictures of their trips. In addition, props such as hawaiin necklaces and hula skirts are great!

Answer 5

You may want to center around a certain culture when doing geography such as Japan, China, or Africa. You could then do research on the country and make or sew traditional cultural garb. If you are doing something more general, such as discovering and not really geography per say, I would outfit the room in maps, telescopes, magnifying glasses, samples of various dirts, luggage bags and other various items that one would take on a safari or on a boating adventure in the times of columbus. Depends on which way you want to go. Good Luck!