I’m an early childhood teacher. I have a classroom of 3-4 year old students. My classroom is arranged into learning centers: housekeeping/dramatic play, blocks, science, library, etc. The students enjoy the freedom to experience each learning center based on the themes planned for each week.
Housekeeping/dramatic play is a popular center. They have a kitchen stove, a sink, a refrigerator, a table, and all the food and dishes to plan a big family meal. The students love playing in kitchen; however, the kitchen center takes much supervision by the teachers. Kids have great imaginations! They play house, restaurant, have picnics…and they play doctor.
Playing doctor is a serious role-playing scenario to students. Kids are growing and sometimes explore their bodies. They aren’t modest at all at ages 3-4. They show all. While playing and pretending to be doctors and nurses is a common experience, especially during career week and community helper themes, we must monitor the extent of their play, making sure they are touching appropriately.
This new baby doll is inappropriate for early childhood students and I would not want one of these in the dramatic play center in my classroom. It is suggesting too much personal information that should be done in a private setting.
