Role playing or play acting is a fantastic way for children to learn social skills, numeracy and science, children are often having so much fun they have no idea that they are learning.

A play shop could be any kind of shop children care it to be or adults could suggest ideas to fit in with stimulating learning ideas or current activities.

A fruit and vegetable shop, for example could introduce the children to seasonal food i.e. strawberries in summer, apples in autumn etc, as well as, teach simple sums: the shopkeeper had 5 apples, but, sold three to Lucy; how many does the shopkeeper have left.

Children can be encouraged to make posters advertising the items for sale or make postcards for sale in the post office etc.

Allowing children to make simple ice lollies and cakes for sale in the shops can extend the learning and role playing experience and children will have lots and lots of fun.

Construction role playing can teach children, through play, how to build block towers, who works on construction sites, doing what and why they wear the work clothes  they do (i.e. hard hats, high visibility vests etc).

Children love nothing better than playing at being grown ups and a hospital role playing game encourages nurturing behaviour in young children and helps to lessen the fear of  visiting hospitals in the “grown up” world.

By actively encouraging children to engage in role playing activities, we teach them how to interact with others (after all shopkeepers need customers), they learn valuable life skills and we foster in them a sense that education is fun, which may continue into their adult life.