The Beginner’s Guide to Prop Boxes
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.”- Carl Jung
You may not have heard of a prop box, but likely you’re familiar with the term “dramatic play”. Perhaps if you take a trip down memory lane, you may remember playing in the house area in preschool. Dramatic play is just as important now as it was when we were growing up. You may be wondering what it encompasses, how to do it at home, and more importantly what is a prop box. No need to fret! All of these things and more will be discussed right here.
What is a Prop Box?
A prop box is a tool with the ability to enhance and extend the dramatic play experience for children. These include a collection of real items that are related in some way. You will want to keep these materials in a durable box to be used and enjoyed again and again!
Points for Consideration
Prop Boxes
- Enhance a larger theme of study
- Introduce an idea or concept
- Build on children’s curiosity about a topic of interest
- Make a favorite book from your home or public library “come to life”
Where can you start acquiring items for your prop box?
- Other parents and neighbors
- Call places for donations
- Garage sales
- Have older children help make some props
A Prop Box list should contain the following:
- Title
- Basic Props
- Vocabulary
- Extension Activities
- Related Literature
Title:
Clearly label your prop box so that it’s easy to identify.
Basic Props:
Include a list of items placed in the prop box on top of the box. Look for materials that allow children to use their imagination. Also include authentic materials that they are familiar with that will allow them to support their knowledge and understanding of a particular theme.
Vocabulary:
A prop box can provide a natural context for the development of vocabulary. Include a list of vocabulary words for items that are inside of the prop box, and introduce these words naturally as your child plays with these materials.
Extension Activities:
List supplementary ideas for various learning activities related to the theme of the prop box.
Related Literature:
Choose at least 2 books that relate to the theme of the prop box. Quality literature can enrich this experience.
Example- Hair Salon Prop Box
Basic Props:
- Dolls
- Apron
- Name Tag
- Product Jars and Bottles (cleaned and emptied)
- Spray Bottles (Empty)
- Rollers
- Cash Register
- Money
- Shower Caps
- Service Menu
- Combs and Brushes
- Open/Closed Sign
- Calculator
- Index Cards
- Pens and Pencils
- Mirror
- Curling Iron/ Flat Iron (Cord Cut Off)
- Clips and Barrettes
- Cape
- Empty Finger Nail Polish Bottles
Vocabulary:
- Hair Dresser
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Service
- Appointment
- Receipt
- Reception Area
- Towel
- Cape
- Massage
Extension Activities:
- Visit a hair salon
- Draw pictures of hairstyles and make a look book
- Borrow a hair magazine from the library
- Cut out pictures of hairstyles
- Provide printables of salon services
- Read Hair by Leslie Patricelli
- Set up nail salon
- Set up barber shop
Related Literature:
- Hair by Leslie Patricelli
- The Hair Book by Graham Tether
- I like myself by Karen Beaumont
- This is my Hair by Todd Parr
- Hair Like Mine by Latishia M. Perry
Dramatic play is essential to your child’s creativity and problem solving. Your children are learning social skills such as turn-taking, empathy, advocacy, and making choices. This type of role playing enables the ability to execute these same skills in real life.
Prop boxes are as fun to put together as they are to play with. It doesn’t have to be expensive. You can recycle items from your home, go to a thrift or dollar store, even a yard sale. Go with the flow, have fun, and if you need help I’m here!
