I like to have a House Center all year for children because home is what they are most familiar with. Dramatic play centers (such as Grocery Store, Vet Office, Ice Cream Shop, etc.) are all fun, and I like to add those (one at a time) in addition to the House Center. They can use the dramatic play items along with the House Center if they choose, but they always have the House Center.
These House Center photos are from my first classroom:
I receive a lot of questions about where I purchased the loft. It was actually in my classroom long before I was hired, so I have no idea where the school bought it. I have seen nice lofts in Kaplan Early Learning and Community Playthings catalogs.
These House Center photos are from my second classroom:
Create a House Center area in your classroom where children can engage in role-playing activities that mimic real-life household tasks. This center encourages imaginative play, cooperative play, communication skills, vocabulary, and essential life skills.
What to Include in the House Center
Furniture:
- Stove/Oven
- Sink
- Cabinet
- Refrigerator
- Table and Chairs
Kitchen Items:
- Play food
- Dishes
- Cookware
- Silverware
- Utensils
- Empty food containers (e.g. cereal & cracker boxes, syrup bottles, etc.)
Baby Items:
- Baby dolls (ethnically diverse)
- Doll bed
- Doll high chair
- Baby bottles
- Baby blankets
- Diaper bag
- Baby clothes
Pet Items:
- Stuffed toy dogs and cats
- Pet basket/bed
- Pet food bowls
- Rawhide bones
Dress-Up Items:
- Dress-up storage
- Dress-up clothes (variety)
- Mirror
- Purses
- Wallets
- Accessories
Cleaning Items:
- Broom & dust pan
- Hand broom
- Mop
- Sponges
- Dish towel
- Bucket
- Toy vacuum
Literacy Items:
- Writing tub (Paper, Pens, Pencils, Clipboard)
- Phone book
- Cook book with pictures, Catalogs
- Coupons (laminated)
- Calendars & Planners
- Environmental print
- Shopping Lists
- Books about family life, household chores, and community helpers
Other Accessories:
- Old cell phones (remove battery)
- Play money
- Clock
- Plant (real or not)
- Loose materials for “cooking” (e.g. pompoms, foam cubes, play dough)
Display children’s family photos in the House Center to make it feel more homey and personal.
Encourage family role-play by having children take on different family roles such as parent, sibling, or pet. They can role-play everyday activities like getting ready for school or work, having a family meal, taking care of the house, or cooking a family meal.
These FREE Pretend Play Writing Printables are perfect for adding Literacy to your House Center!
Benefits of a House Center
- Pretend play sparks children’s language skills, such as conversation and vocabulary expansion.
- Children learn about everyday tasks and responsibilities, such as cooking, cleaning, and organizing.
- Pretend play allows children to express their creativity and explore different roles and scenarios.
- Children can explore and express their emotions through imaginative play, helping them understand and manage feelings.
- Playing with baby dolls helps children develop nurturing skills and empathy.
Want to see more Pre-K Centers? See All Pre-K Centers Here