Sociodramatic Play Centers

       One way children develop literacy is through dramatic play in centers that replicate places in the community. The center can reflect anything from a grocery store to an veterinarian's office. In these centers, children develop "the sociocultural discourses needed to effectively use language in a variety of situations" (Owocki, 2001, p. 157). They refine their language development by pretending to be a different person such as principal or a store clerk and imitate the language used in the social situation. Using their prior experiences, they copy the language used and apply it to their play. Sociodramatic play challenges the children and motivates them to explore the varied functions of language.
       Not only do children use spoken language in their play, they also utilize reading and writing to enhance their role play. Activities such as sign up sheets, receipts, food orders, menus, nonfiction literature, and plain pads of paper all incorporate writing and reading. Children see the value of communication in society and are willing to insert it in their play. Using a variety of centers also builds the connection between home and school by bringing in real world places into the classroom for further exploration.
     The themes of centers should be inspired from children's interests. Owocki provides a form in her textbook that can be sent to the parents to get their input on what their would like the most (2001, p. 163). If some children are unfamiliar with the place that is created in the center, the class can take a field trip to explore the discourses and the activities of the place of interest. Experiences will enhance and make the play more meaningful.

Sources:

Owocki, G. (2001). Make way for literacy: Teaching the way young children learn. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.