5 Simple Classroom Play Swaps

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5 simple swaps you can make TODAY to bring more open-ended play into your classroom.

Costumes → scarves in dramatic play. One scarf can become a cape, blanket, picnic cloth, leash, skirt, roof, or river.

Traditional little people → peg people. Without a fixed character or expression, children decide who they are.

Pre-made block accessories → a box of recycling. Boxes, tubes, lids, containers and packaging become whatever the play needs.

Traditional playdough tools → household tools. Potato mashers, garlic presses, whisks, citrus squeezers and more invite real exploration.

Pre-planned crafts → open-ended art materials. Offer a variety of materials and let children create their own ideas.

Small swaps. Big impact. Open-ended play doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by intention. You’ve got this!