In this activity, you and your child will engage in conversations and role play while the child pretends to be a baker in a bakery.
Learning Area(s): Language and Communication; Reading and Writing
MATERIALS
- Pretend (or toy) baked goods
- Baking supplies: bowls, wooden spoon, measuring cups, etc.
- Toy or unbreakable plates, silverware, cups
- Paper
- Pen
LET'S PLAY
To build your child’s knowledge of what a bakery is and does, begin by talking to him or her about what happens at a bakery and who works there. If possible, read some books together about baking (e.g., bread, muffins, cookies, cakes) or visiting a bakery.
To set up the play, you can create “menus” using pictures of baked goods, such as a muffin, a cupcake, a loaf of bread, etc. You can draw these pictures together or cut out photos from a grocery store ad or magazine. You can also make “Open/Closed” and “Bakery” signs to enhance the play. The bakery area can contain bowls, measuring cups, a rolling pin, apron, etc.
One person can be the baker and the other can be the customer at the bakery. You and your child should take turns playing these roles. The customer can place a checkmark on the menu next to the item he or she is purchasing and the baker can make it.
You can also model conversations by demonstrating what the baker would say and how the customer would respond. For example, the baker might say, “Welcome to the bakery! Would you like to order something to eat?” And the customer might respond, “Good morning! I would like a blueberry muffin, please.”
TIPS
- There are many variations on this activity. You can create a restaurant, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor, a flower shop, shoe store, etc.
- You may need to teach your child vocabulary words that go with this activity, like the names of objects and actions. This is a great opportunity for your child to learn new words and concepts!
- Model (demonstrate) writing for your child as you write signs and menu items.