Doll play – Playgroup

Having dolls available at playgroup that represent the diversity in the community helps all children feel a sense of identity and belonging.

Did you know?

Acting out roles and interacting through doll play with other children allows your child to develop and practice language and social skills. These skills of sharing, cooperation, helping and problem solving are important for both boys and girls.

Add language

Sometimes join in with doll play at the children’s level – let them lead the play and you can add the language to match what they are doing. Keep the conversation going by adding comments and asking only occasional questions.

Other development

Include paper and things to write with so the children have opportunities to practice “writing” within their doll play scenarios.

Variations

Varying the props available with the dolls can vary the play and allow the children to explore other roles and situations. For example the home corner could be turned into: a hospital and the dolls become the patients; an airport and the dolls become passengers; or chairs could be set up to look like the inside of a bus.

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. Check out doll play for babies, toddlers and children.

Activities listed under “playgroup” are suitable for groups of children of various ages. They provide opportunities for early learning and social play.