Lalita, age four, has tried unsuccessfully to be the director of house play on several occasions. Ms. Kurzhals usually dismissed children to free choice activities for the story time by name. She has noticed Lalita's attempts and is considering what might be effective in supporting her. What do you think she should try first?
A) Change the materials that are available for free play.
B) Explain the importance of taking turns to the children during the story time.
C) Dismiss Lalita ahead of her usual playmates for a few days so that she can arrive at the pretend play area first.
D) Direct the players to allow Lalita to determine the narrative of the play from outside the play frame.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dismissing Lalita ahead of her usual playmates can give her a chance to take charge and create a pretend play scenario before the other children arrive. This will provide her the opportunity to be the director and give her the confidence that she needs to take a lead role during playtime. Changing the materials or explaining the importance of turn-taking may not directly address Lalita's desire to be the director of house play. Directing the players to allow Lalita to determine the narrative from outside the play frame may not necessarily give her the opportunity to practice the skills that she needs to develop as a leader of pretend play.

Lalita, Age Four, Has Tried Unsuccessfully to Be the Director