Is your family or dramatic play area always busy? Do you know what tamariki are learning during this play, how to link play to Te Whāriki learning outcomes and how to intentionally teach during socio-dramatic play?
From cooking in the wharekai and caring for pēpi, to running cafés, medical centres and supermarkets, family and dramatic play provides some of the richest opportunities for children to develop communication, collaboration and social competence. But recognising the learning happening —and knowing how to intentionally extend it—can be challenging.
This practical two-page guide takes the guesswork out of family and dramatic play.
Page One clearly links family and dramatic play experiences to relevant Te Whāriki learning outcomes, helping you instantly recognise the learning taking place as children communicate, negotiate, solve problems and work together.
Page Two provides practical intentional teaching strategies, rich vocabulary, open-ended questions and extension ideas that will help you confidently respond to children’s interests and strengthen social learning through play.
No lengthy theory. No searching through curriculum documents. Just practical strategies you can use tomorrow.
Perfect for:
- Early childhood teachers
- Student teachers
- Team leaders
- Centre managers
- Relievers
This resource will help you:
Recognise the rich learning occurring during family and dramatic play.
Understand how dramatic play supports Te Whāriki learning outcomes.
Confidently extend children’s communication, collaboration and social competence.
Introduce purposeful language that supports negotiation, emotional regulation and problem solving.
Ask meaningful questions that deepen children’s thinking and enrich their play.
Save valuable planning and assessment time.
Whether you’re observing children, writing learning stories, planning learning experiences or strengthening intentional teaching, this guide provides practical, curriculum-aligned strategies that are ready to use in your everyday practice.
Created by ECE Insights Consulting for Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood educators.
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