Ice Skating Rink Dramatic Play
Are you looking for a winter dramatic play activity? You have to try making an Ice Skating Rink!I just added an Ice Skating Rink Dramatic Play center in my preschool classroom and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Importance of Dramatic Play
Dramatic play may seem like just playing, but there is so much more to it! Students learn to self-regulate, how to share and take turns, express their feelings, use their creativity, practice oral language skills, and work on gross motor skills.
I love dramatic play because it’s a great place for students to work on their social skills. Students are conversing with other students, learning to play with others, being introduce to new vocabulary words, practicing patience and waiting for their turn, and learning to express themselves!
Ice Skating Rink Details
I love how this ice skating rink turned out! It was so easy to set up and my students loved it!
Materials Needed
Here’s what you need to make an ice skating rink dramatic play center.
- heavy plastic, such as this plastic sheeting, a tarp, or a shower curtain.
- clear packing tape
- printable signs (download at the bottom of htis post)
- mittens
- hats
- baskets
- play food
- fuzzy socks
- any furniture you want to add, such as a place for a concession stand
Steps to Make the Ice Skating Rink
Here’s how to make the ice skating rink.
- Cut the plastic sheeting to the size you want. I did not measure mine. I just cut it to fit in the dramatic play area in my classroom.
- Use clear plastic packaging tape to secure it to the ground.
Steps to Make the Snack Stand
- Create a space for a snack stand. You can use shelves if you have them.
- Add the printable signs and place the menu cards on a clip board. I laminated ours so the students could use dry erase markers.
You can use your own materials and creativity to set up your snack stand.
Steps to Make the Shoe Locker
- Place mittens and hats in baskets and set them on a shelf.
- Add fuzzy socks to a bin and set them on the shelf.
I found the mittens and socks on clearance at Old Navy. They are washed after each day.
Learning Objectives
Learning through play is my favorite way to teach! Dramatic play centers may seem like just playing, but there is so much more happening!
With the ice skating rink, students are working on the following:
- coordinating their legs to slide
- practicing balance
- strengthening their legs
- activating their core
- being aware of personal space
- playing with others and communicating
- activating their imagination
The snack stand is great for working on:
- practicing social skills
- expanding their vocabulary
- working together with classmates
- using pretend play to encourage creativity and imagination
The shoe locker is awesome for working on:
- putting on mittens and gloves
- taking turns
- putting on the fuzzy socks
- following procedures
- practicing patience
Ice Skating Rink in Action
My students had a blast “ice skating” on our rink in their fuzzy socks!
Only 4 children could skate at a time and that made it run more smoothly.
The students twirled, played game, slid, and used their imagination! They really enjoyed this dramatic play center.
You should definitely add this to your dramatic play center this winter!
Printable Download
If you’d like to try this in your classroom, you can download it below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use to make the ice rink?
I used heavy-duty plastic I already had from another project. You could use a clear shower curtain or even a tablecloth. Make sure to test it out before adding it to your center.
You could use regular socks, paper plates, or laminated card stock shaped like shoes.
Yes! You can take the tape off and then fold it up to reuse it in the future!
For more ways to encourage learning through play, check out my favorite dramatic play toys!
I hope you’ll try this activity out!
