Doll play for children aged 0-2
Feeling and exploring
Goal: To develop sensory skills.
Activity: Let the child feel the doll's various materials and textures. Talk about how they feel: soft, firm, smooth, rough. Watoto Arts dolls have super-soft hair, firm bodies, and colorful clothes—let the child discover them!
Talking and communicating
Goal: Practice body parts.
Activity: Point to the doll's body parts and say the names out loud: head, arms, legs, etc. Encourage the child to point and repeat the names themselves.
Doll play for children aged 3-5
Talking about a new addition to the family
Goal: Prepare the child for a change, such as the arrival of a younger sibling or another shift in the child's life.
Activity: Use the baby doll to playfully tell the older sibling that a baby will soon be joining the family. Involve the older sibling in how to take care of a baby using the doll. Prepare the child for their new role in a gentle and playful way.
Tip: Have you noticed that Watoto Arts dolls can carry a baby doll in their arms?
Talking about feelings
Goal: Practice putting words to different feelings.
Activity: Roleplay different scenarios where the doll is happy, sad, tired, or hungry. Discuss why the doll feels that way and how the child can help the doll feel better. Let the child come up with their own solutions and encourage them along the way.
Problem-solving through play
Goal: Stimulate and develop problem-solving skills.
Activity: Create an obstacle course for the doll and let the child find solutions for how the doll can get through it. Encourage the child to think out loud and discuss their ideas.
Doll play for children aged 6-8
Creating stories
Goal: Stimulate imagination and creativity.
Activity: Let the child create a story about the doll's day. What does the doll do in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening? Ask follow-up questions to encourage further development of the story. Talk about routines with the child and let them decide on the doll's routines.
Learning about diversity and inclusion
Goal: To understand and value diversity.
Activity: Use two dolls with different skin tones, such as a black doll and a white doll. Talk about the dolls' skin color and hair color. Talk about how being different is good and that everyone is equally valuable.
Tip: Here you can also involve one of Watoto Arts' therapy dolls.
Doll play for children aged 9-12
Creative workshop
Goal: Stimulate creativity and imagination.
Activity: Create accessories and clothes for the doll out of the child's old clothes. Encourage upcycling and an eco-friendly mindset.
Creative workshop
Goal: Stimulate creativity and imagination.
Activity: Create a dollhouse out of old cardboard boxes and furnish it with textiles and other items you have at home. Let the doll live in its new house.
Summary
After every play session, take a few minutes to reflect together with the child. What did you learn? What was fun? Is there anything you want to explore more next time?
Use these conversations to strengthen the bond between you and your child and to better understand their thoughts and feelings.
Feel free to share how you play with your dolls!
This play guide is designed to foster creativity and learning. The play guide makes playtime a meaningful part of everyday life. Have fun and enjoy your playtime!