Liliana's Travel Agency

Yesterday, Liliana and I had an awful day.  We were both moody, neither of us wanted to compromise, and we spent most of the day angry with each other.  I was determined that today would be better.  So last night, I set out new markers and paper upstairs at the table and at the table downstairs I set out this, an invitation to play Travel Agency.

She was stoked!  She sat right down and started asking us where we wanted to go.

Apparently she specializes in "pink vacations."  She'd say, "Do you want to go to Minnesota?  How about pink Minnesota?  Would you like to stay in a pink hotel?  It has pink beds and a pink pool.  You can take a pink car to get there."  My kind of a trip!

She played nicely all morning!  If you haven't had a conversation with her lately...you should.  She's hilarious!  She makes all of these facial expressions when she's talking.  These photos were all taken right in a row while she was telling me about my vacation options:

She's so expressive!  Must get it from Jeremy.  ;-) 

If you have an old keyboard, phone, cash register, and notepad/pen, you've got the basics for a TON of different dramatic play opportunities. 

• Post Office- Add a mailbox, envelopes and stickers.
• Shoe store- Add shoes/shoe boxes.
• Toy store- Add toys and a shopping cart.
• Book store or library- Add books and fake credit cards for library cards.
• Grocery store- Add either empty or full food containers, grocery bags, a shopping cart or basket, and old coupons.
• Construction company- Add blocks.
• Restaurant- Add plastic food, table cloth, drawn menus, maybe a tray to carry food, etc.

You get the idea!  Grocery store was one of our favorite daycare games to play.  It's amazing how they pick up on the little details of social interactions that they can then repeat through dramatic play.  For instance, saying "Have a nice day." when you hand the bag of food to the customer.  That's nothing I've ever taught my kids, but they picked it up from observing.  Such sponges!!!

And in the meantime, if you're interested in taking a pink vacation, call Liliana!  Operators are standing by.