Can dramatic play teach self-control?

I have been reading the very recently published NurtureShock: New Thinking about Children. I just made it through the chapter discussing self-control in preschool children and the implementation of Tools of the Mind. Current studies indicate that self-regulation skills predict academic achievement more reliably than I.Q. tests. The program aims to increase cognitive self-control through complex dramatic play.

I first read about this in this New York Times article, which well summarizes the new findings. It is something I am currently reflecting on. We've already started implementing some of these ideas (see previous blog entry on Doctor imaginative play).

Sean, Sahil, and I are further researching the Tools of the Mind program  to see what it provides to our curriculum at Windsor.

If you're interested in learning more, please read the article linked above.

-SS

Emergent Curriculum: Doctor Dramatic Play

Dr. H in the middle of a check-up

We started dramatic play with our various medical kits and dress up uniforms.  We took turns being doctor, nurse, and patient. We learned how to take blood pressure and check our reflexes.  When the first two childen put on their doctor and nurse costumes, the children had a good giggle--they were thoroughly enjoying themselves!

The childrens current interest in doctors and the medical setting, likely brought on by their recent flu shots, inspired our role play.  Furthermore, we have a child who will soon be undergoing minor surgery and this dramatic role play will hopefully ease her fears.

This is part of our emerging curriculum in which ideas for curriculum emerge from the interaction of all classroom participants: both children and adults.  Emergent curriculum comes from the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy.

We will be continuing and extending this theme for the next week or so.

"I need to open this and get my mustache." (medicine)  -Samantha
"I want a band-aid." (right after getting one on his left hand)  -Neil
"I need to get some blood pressure."  -Nishita
"I'm sorry, but I'll need to give you one more flu shot."  -Ellie
"It's really beeping!" (hearing Mr. Sean's heartbeat with a real stethoscope)  -Alayjah
"Do you need a band-aid?"  -Therese

-Sean