How to Incorporate Reading and Writing in your Dramatic Play Area

Do you have a play kitchen in your classroom? Have you ever thought of switching out the typical play food for a more theme based center? I will be 100% upfront and say it is definitely more work and if you’re having a tough year behavior wise, you may want to put this on the back burner for next year. BUT if you have a class that loves playful learning - a dramatic play area could be a new favorite center!

And if you don’t have a play kitchen - or want a separate area - you really just need a shelf and possibly a play table for more interactive play. A tiny corner in your classroom will definitely do the trick!

Labels with Real Pictures

My favorite thing about my dramatic play bundle is the real pictures. I love exposing students to real, nonfiction pictures and try to ditch the clipart whenever I can! These labels help students make real world connections AND bonus: they can match everything up when it’s time to clean up!

Interactive Order Forms

These interactive order forms are such a fun way for students to extend writing into their play. The customer can fill out their form, hand it to the worker and the worker has to read their form before creating their specific order. Your students will love this writing component and makes the play come to life!

Posters and Signs

I love to laminate the store hours so that students can write the hours the store is open themselves. They can also write or pick a picture to display the special of the day. 

These are just some small ways you can incorporate reading and writing into your dramatic play! We want to create confident readers and writers and what perfect way to practice that than through play 🙂

The pictures used in this post are from my Flower Shop Dramatic Play Set or you can get the year long bundle! There's a pizzeria, taco shop, vet office, grocery store and MORE!