Month: October 2024

At Love2Learn Early Learning Center in Mechanicsburg, PA, we know that play is the foundation for learning in early childhood. One of the most impactful types of play is dramatic play, a form of pretend play where children take on different roles, act out scenarios, and explore their world through imagination. This type of play might look like simple fun, but it’s essential for building key developmental skills that set the stage for a lifetime of learning.

What is Dramatic Play?

Dramatic play is a type of play in which children engage in imaginative role-playing. They might act out scenarios from their everyday lives, such as cooking a meal, going to the store, or running a coffee shop. At Love2Learn, we change our dramatic play themes monthly to align with our curriculum, which keeps things fresh and exciting! This month, our children have loved raking leaf piles and working at our pumpkin patch, while next month, they’ll be exploring a cozy coffee shop and a Native American teepee.

The Developmental Benefits of Dramatic Play

Dramatic play isn’t just about fun—it provides a powerful way for young children to build foundational skills. Here are just a few of the benefits children gain from engaging in dramatic play:

1. Cognitive Development and Problem-Solving Skills

When children pretend to be different characters or scenarios, they engage in problem-solving. For example, figuring out how to “run” a coffee shop teaches them sequencing, planning, and organization—all skills they’ll use throughout their lives.

2. Social and Emotional Growth

Dramatic play encourages children to see the world from others’ perspectives, which nurtures empathy. By acting out roles with friends, they learn cooperation, turn-taking, and communication skills, all of which are crucial for emotional intelligence.

3. Language and Literacy

During dramatic play, children often use language to express ideas, negotiate roles, and communicate scenarios. Whether taking a customer’s “order” or pretending to “rake leaves,” they expand their vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and develop early literacy skills.

4. Creativity and Imagination

Creative thinking is central to dramatic play. Taking on different roles encourages children to think beyond their immediate environment, expanding their creativity in a natural and engaging way.

How We Bring Dramatic Play to Life at Love2Learn

Our changing themes at Love2Learn are designed to immerse children in a new, imaginative environment every month. By offering different play scenarios, such as our seasonal pumpkin patches or upcoming coffee shop and teepee setup, we encourage curiosity and excitement in learning. These setups tie into our monthly curriculum themes, allowing children to explore and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Dramatic play at Love2Learn Early Learning Center is more than just make-believe—it’s a journey of discovery, skill-building, and, most importantly, joy! By cultivating these rich, imaginative play experiences, we help children build the confidence and competence they need to thrive.

At Love2Learn Early Learning Center in Mechanicsburg, PA, I often notice the direct impact that children’s lunches and snacks have on their behavior throughout the day. A well-balanced meal can keep kids focused, calm, and energized, while some common lunchbox foods lead to energy crashes, mood swings, or hyperactivity. Below are the top five foods I frequently see in my students’ lunches that make me cringe—and healthier swaps that I recommend for better behavior and overall well-being.

1. Children’s Yogurt

Why it makes me cringe: Many children’s yogurts are loaded with unnecessary sugars, which can cause energy spikes and crashes, leading to mood swings and poor focus.

Healthier swap: Try a low-sugar option like Oikos Triple Zero Greek yogurt. It’s high in protein and has no added sugars. For an extra treat, add fresh fruit like blueberries or strawberries to boost flavor naturally.

2. Chips (Doritos, Cheetos, Goldfish)

Why it makes me cringe: Chips like Doritos, Cheetos, or even Goldfish are full of unhealthy fats, salt, and artificial additives that may contribute to hyperactivity and make it hard for kids to stay focused.

Healthier swap: Swap these with whole wheat crackers such as Back to Nature Stoneground Wheat Crackers, which are made with whole grains and provide a healthier crunch. Pair them with hummus or guacamole for added flavor and nutrition.

3. Juice Boxes

Why it makes me cringe: Most juice boxes are packed with sugar and provide little in terms of real nutrition, leading to energy crashes that affect mood and concentration.

Healthier swap: Replace juice boxes with water or flavored water infused with real fruit (like lemon, berries, or orange slices) for a refreshing, hydrating option. You could also opt for milk or a low-sugar dairy-free milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk, which provides hydration without the sugar spike.

4. Packaged Cookies and Snack Cakes

Why it makes me cringe: Packaged cookies and snack cakes contain high amounts of sugar, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, which contribute to hyperactivity and energy crashes, affecting behavior throughout the day.

Healthier swap: Opt for fresh fruit like berries, apple slices, or orange segments. These natural alternatives are sweet, provide a boost of vitamins, and deliver sustained energy without the crash. You can also try homemade trail mix with dried fruit and seeds as a nut-free, healthy snack.

5. Processed Lunch Meat (Ham, Bologna)

Why it makes me cringe: Processed meats like ham or bologna are often loaded with sodium and nitrates, which can make kids feel lethargic or irritable and don’t offer the healthiest nutrition.

Healthier swap: Swap processed lunch meats with grilled chicken, turkey slices, or plant-based proteins like veggie wraps or falafel. These options are higher in nutrients, providing protein and healthy fats to help children stay energized and focused.

The Takeaway

The foods we give our children have a direct impact on their ability to stay calm, focused, and engaged. By making these simple swaps, you can help ensure that your child has a productive, happy day at school. At Love2Learn, we’re committed to helping our families find nutritious solutions that benefit children’s learning and overall well-being.

Have more questions about healthy lunches? Feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help!

Bibliography

1. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Added Sugar in the Diet.” The Nutrition Source. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/.
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Processed Foods: What You Should Know.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/processed-foods/art-20043941.
3. Nemours KidsHealth. “Sugary Drinks and Your Child.” Nemours Foundation. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sugary-drinks.html.
4. American Heart Association. “Healthy Alternatives to Snack Foods.” Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/healthy-snacking-tips.
5. Children’s Health. “How Does Nutrition Affect Children’s Behavior?” Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/how-does-nutrition-affect-childrens-behavior.