One of Dr. Seuss’s early books, The 500 hats of Bartholomew Cubbins is the inspiration for today’s Dr. Seuss kindergarten readiness and learning fun activity. Hats are a terrific prop for all kinds of dressing up, imagining and crafts.
The early childhood years are a critical time for developing empathy. We don’t think of this as a skill, but just like other skills it’s something that grows with practice and guidance. Dress-up play for kids is one way to promote empathy. Children love to clump around in mom’s or dad’s shoes, wear their Halloween costumes any time, and will use anything as a hat. Fortunately, this bowl did not contain any food. Pretending they are different people helps children become aware of other peoples’ point of view. They begin to relate to others and develop empathy. When imagining and dressing-up children are exploring their own, and other people’s identity. Imagination helps kids ‘imagine’ how other’s feel.
For playtime today, do you have some hats and other things your child can use for dress-up fun and learning ?