Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Quiet play · The activity desk
Pretend shared meal
Practice welcoming a guest and asking what they would like at a pretend meal.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
Two clean unbreakable plates and an age-appropriate stuffed animal or another willing play partner
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Put the plates on a stable surface and choose a pretend meal together.
Adult's role: Model asking and listening without insisting on a particular response. Let the child decide whether to play host or guest.
Let's make it happen
- Invite your play partner to the pretend meal and choose a place for each plate.
- Ask what they would like to eat and listen to their answer. Offer pretend food or a different choice.
- Take turns being host and guest, and make up a friendly goodbye when you finish.
Make it simpler: Offer one pretend food and let the child decide whether the guest wants it.
Clean up: Put the plates and toy away.
Use empty plates and a toy instead of real food. Respect the child's choices and avoid requiring physical contact.