Let's Play House!: Family Role-Play Centre

Infants build foundations through repetition and responsive interaction.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- Soft blankets and pillows for comfort

- Age appropriate baby dolls with soft bodies

- Small infant clothing items (onesies, socks)

- Feeding bottles and bibs

- Soft rattles and teething toys

- A small, sturdy cushion for "sitting up" the baby

- Pictures of diverse families

- A soft play mat

Learning Objectives

- Children will demonstrate an interest in mimicking familiar caregiving routines related to family.

- Children will engage with dolls and play objects, exploring textures and sounds.

- Children will begin to experience social interaction through shared play, even in parallel.

- Children will express emotion or comfort when interacting with the dolls.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Set up a cozy "house" corner with blankets, pillows, and the play mat.

2. Introduce the baby dolls and soft infant clothing, inviting children to touch and explore them. "Look, a baby! Who does this baby belong to?"

3. Offer the feeding bottles and bibs. "Time for a little snack, just like you have at home!"

4. Gently place a doll on the cushion and allow children to approach, pat, or offer a toy.

5. Point to the family pictures, naming different family members. "This is a mommy, this is a daddy, this is a sibling."

6. Model gentle rocking and patting of the dolls. "Shhh, we can help the baby feel calm."

7. Encourage children to "dress" the dolls by placing soft clothing items near them. "Let's put a cozy sock on the baby's foot."

8. Allow children time for free exploration, observing their interactions with the dolls and objects.

Educator Tip

Ensure all toys are soft and safe for infants, with no small parts that could be a choking hazard. Supervise closely to ensure gentle interactions. This centre provides a wonderful opportunity for some of your children to experience comfort and caregiving actions, mirroring what they receive from their own families.

Assessment

Observe children's engagement with the dolls and props. Note if they show curiosity, attempt to mimic caregiving actions like patting or rocking, or interact with peers in this shared space. Document any instances of imitation or vocalizations directed at the dolls.

Educator tip

Keep stimulation low; follow infant cues.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe gaze, reach, calm engagement.

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