As the majority of my teaching experience has been in intermediate grades, specifically 3rd grade, I’ve never used a lot of dramatic play in my lessons. In 
intermediate, we have a tendency to focus on learning, learning, learning, with no time for play, and if we do play, it’s a game or a puzzle. We definitely don’t take the time for dramatic play. However, this year I am trying to change that some. I have a third grader at home and he still spend about half of his playtime in dramatic play. On the playground, I have watched my students (3rd and 4th graders) play out slumber parties, knights and princesses and a variety of other “dramatic play” situations. So, I’ve decided to try to use dramatic play anywhere appropriate in my classroom. Stop by my blog – Raki’s Rad Resources – and see some of the ways we are using dramatic play to increase student engagement and student understanding.
Do you have a great way to integrate dramatic play into an intermediate classroom? Please come and join our discussion at Raki’s Rad Resources.
