Cinderella Inspires a Play-of-the-Day
Cinderella is another fun fairy tale that can inspire play activities, not just for girls but boys also. Glass slippers and fairy godmothers are not required.
Cinderella is not much liked by her step-mother and step-sisters and has to do all the work. When the prince invites everyone to a ball, her mother and step-sisters go but Cinderella is stuck at home, crying with disappointment and wishing she could go too.
A fairy godmother appears and turns a pumpkin into a carriage complete with horses and a coachman. Her plain clothes and shoes become a beautiful gown and glass slippers. Cinderella goes to the ball and while she leaves the ball at midnight, as required, she loses one of her slippers. The prince finds it and uses it until he finds Cinderella.
Nowadays we don’t have carriages pulled by horses. After reading or telling this story, you can ask your child, “How would Cinderella get the ball if this happened today? Together, you can think of all the ways we have to travel, such as bus, taxi, ferry, ship, car, truck van, submarine, train, airplane, or rocket ship. After naming some real ones, how about some imaginary ones like a flying saucer or batmobile?
With blocks, lego, or other construction toys, kids can build some different ways for Cinderella to get around. Kids may also want to use toys or things around the house to make their own bus or car or train or other transportation. Stuffies can go along for the ride. A big box turned on it’s side can be imagined into anything and decorated with crayons or paints for more fun. Where else could it go besides the ball?
The story of Cinderella can inspire some construction, art, and pretend play. Both boys and girls can do any of these. You can pretend to be the fairy godparent and ask your child where he or she would like to go. Maybe your family has a dream of going someplace together?