Play tips - doll games for children between 0-12 years
Doll play for children between 0-2 years
Feel and explore
Objective: To develop sensory skills.
Activity: Let the child feel the different materials and textures of the doll . Talk about how they feel: soft, firm, smooth, rough. Watoto Art dolls have super soft hair, firm bodies and colorful clothes, let the child discover it!
Talk and communicate
Objective: 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 between 3-5 years
Talk about additions to the family
Goal: Prepare the child for a change, it could be that the child will have younger siblings or another change in the child's life.
Activity: Use the baby doll to playfully tell the older siblings that a baby is coming to the family soon. Involve older siblings in how to care for a baby with the help of the baby doll. Prepare the child for his new role in a soft and playful way.
Tip: Have you seen that Watoto Art dolls can carry a baby doll in their arms?
Talk about feelings
Goal: Practice putting words to different feelings.
Activity: Act out 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 his own solutions and encourage the child along the way.
Problem solving through play
Objective: 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. Encourage the child to think aloud and discuss their ideas.
Doll play for children between 6-8 years
Create stories
Objective: Stimulate imagination and creativity
Activity: Let the child create a story about the doll's day. What does the doll do in the morning, afternoon and evening? Ask follow-up questions to encourage further development of the story. Talk about routines with the child and let the child determine his own routines for the doll.
Learn about diversity and inclusion
Objective: To understand and value diversity.
Activity: Use two dolls with different skin colors, it can be a black doll and a white doll . Talk about the doll's skin color, hair color. Talk about different being good and that everyone is equally valuable.
Tip: Here you can also involve one of Watoto Art's therapy dolls .
Doll play for children between 9-12 years
Creative workshop
Objective: Stimulate creativity and imagination
Activity: Create accessories and clothes for the doll from the child's old clothes. Encourage upcycling and environmental thinking.
Creative workshop
Objective: Stimulate creativity and imagination
Activity: create a dollhouse from old cardboard boxes and decorate with textiles and other things you have at home. Let the doll live in its new house.
Summary
After each play session, take a few minutes to reflect 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.
Please share how you play with your dolls!
This play guide is designed to promote creativity and learning. The play guide makes playtime a meaningful part of everyday life. Have fun and enjoy your playtime!