Summer sun brings ice cream fun

When everything tastes like ice cream in the classroom, what a fantastic experience is in store for the children. The many valuable opportunities afforded in this play center help expand the child's world. Interraction between children sorting (the flavors or colors of pom poms), creative use of imaginations, and thought process opportunities are all a part of the learning that is taking place. This center naturally lends itself to role playing. The combination of props and materials encourages complex levels of dramatic play to evolve among the children. The play can range from simple dramatic play such as dipping ice cream and filling cups and cones to a more sophisticated level of dramatic play when children begin role play as ice cream attendants and customers. The ice cream parlor center is enjoyed by both boys and girls and is developmentally appropriate for children ranging in age from two to six years old. The ease in developing this center, the simple set up, the low cost, and the opportunities for child-initiated play make this center appealing to teachers who continually search for enriching experiences to offer their children. The reward the center brings the children far exceeds the efforts required by the teacher.