Airport Dramatic Play
Dramatic play develops social skills, language, and imagination while reinforcing theme content.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Air Travel
- Learning area: Socio-Emotional
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Engage in imaginative play
- Practise social roles and interactions
- Develop oral language through role play
Materials
- Dress-up clothes (pilot hats, flight attendant accessories)
- Toy suitcases
- Pretend tickets and passports
- Chairs set up like airplane seats
Instructions
Set up an airport dramatic play centre where children act out various air travel roles.
Educator tip
Rotate props weekly to maintain interest and introduce new vocabulary (cockpit, runway, boarding pass).
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe social interaction skills, language use, and ability to sustain imaginative play.