Hannah began a game by announcing: “I am going to make dinner.”
Charlie, who was the only child in earshot, had been investigating the teapot and responded: “I will make coffee.”
Hannah set the table for four. Each spot got a plate with pizza, a cup, and a utensil. She loaded another plate with sand and announced: “We are having rice with our pizza.”
Charlie filled the teapot with sand to pour as coffee into the cups.
Hannah: “I want tea.”
Charlie replied: “It can be coffee or tea.”
Owen and Micah came out soon after: “What are you playing?”
I helped prompt Hannah and Charlie into explaining what was happening in the game. Owen and Micah wanted to join.
Owen noticed: “There is only one extra place setting.” He gathered enough supplies for Micah to have a spot. Charlie poured coffee for everyone and Hannah scooped rice to serve everyone.
After they ate Hannah announced: “It’s time for everyone to go to bed while I clean up the dishes.”
Owen: “I am the baby.” He found a place to sleep and Charlie joined him. Micah: “My bed is on top of the structure.”
Hannah cleared the dishes and then found a place to rest.
We see all day long children playing out roles they see at home. Children try out these roles to help them figure out their world and what it means to be a part of it. When children try on different roles, they have the experience of “walking in someone else’s shoes,” which helps teach the important moral development skill of empathy.
As a teacher, it is always exciting to see those moments when West Wingers and East Wingers come together, but especially satisfying when it happens in the second week of school.
-Amy