I can recall instances during my childhood when teachers encouraged us to use role play to practice new skills. I always felt like acting out various scenarios was super cheesy! However, now that I’m the one doing the teaching, I realize that role play is a valuable tool.
When kids role play, they assume roles and act out a given situation. Whether it’s learning how to make formal introductions, how to call 911, or how to purchase items while shopping, I’ve found that role play is an incredibly effective tool for teaching my kids. Based on what I’ve seen, here are several reasons why role play works so well.
Why role play benefits kids
- It engages them. Learning from books, videos, and lectures is somewhat passive. Kids certainly retain information from these mediums, but they are sitting on the sideline while they learn. When kids role play, this changes—they must get in the game. Role play is very active, requiring them to think, connect ideas, and make decisions.
- It allows for learning in real-world situations. Instead of thinking through what one would do in a hypothetical situation (which may seem somewhat abstract to kids), role play places kids right in the middle of a realistic scenario. This allows for more concrete practice.
- It provides practice. The idea that practice makes perfect is highly relevant when it comes to role play. Role play provides kids with hands-on practice, which hones their skills.
- It builds confidence. When kids are able to practice something repeatedly, they become capable and competent. Therefore, when they must complete a real-life task that they role played previously, they feel confident.
- It enriches language and communication skills. When engaging in role play, kids are often required to use new words and rephrase things in order to convey meaning. Being stretched in this way builds kids’ vocabularies and enhances their communication skills.
- It encourages creativity. When kids role play, they must “think on their feet.” This is like exercise for their brains, building their capacity for cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility increases their creativity and problem-solving skills.
- It develops social skills. Role play usually involves interaction with a person who is acting out another role. This interaction helps kids learn to consider what another individual is thinking or feeling. From this, kids learn conflict resolution skills, teamwork, and empathy.
- It allows for observation of peers. Sometimes someone outside of a situation can see something that is overlooked by those in the situation. When a child observes other kids role playing, he or she has an opportunity to notice subtle details. The details a child notices while observing benefit him or her in subsequent real-life interactions.
Final thoughts
Role play is free, it doesn’t require any special equipment, and it can be used in just about any setting. Given that it is so easy to use, these are some pretty awesome benefits!
What has been your experience using role play to help your kids learn? Has it been of benefit to them?
