Dolls are an incredible addition to any classroom or home setting as they provide so many benefits, mostly around pretend play. Boys and girls are able to learn social skills and even self-care by pretending to take care of a doll, and they develop empathy by learning others' feelings or needs. Changing a doll's clothes or even a diaper strengthens fine-motor skills, as well as a sense of responsibility, and talking with the doll and/or with other children about the doll in pretend play stimulates language development. Dolls that reflect a similar image of the child validates that child's sense of belonging, especially in a classroom, so be sure you have a beautiful mix of dolls for all children. It is important to also celebrate diversity and discuss the differences in the dolls with children, pointing out why diversity is so amazing. Who knew all the ways a doll could be used in learning?
