Items destined for garage sale might spark a child’s imagination

I asked the girls if they would make me some broccoli in their pretend kitchen. I think they were hoping I would say I wanted cake.

This morning I visited the Day Nursery Ruth A. Lilly Center where several three-year olds were busy in the “housekeeping” area of their classroom cooking up dinner and caring for their baby dolls. I had to stop and take a picture for the blog because I thought you would get a kick out of their footwear. Many of the props in their housekeeping area come from donations from parents and teachers who have found treasures while cleaning out their closets. If you are finding a theme among your discards while preparing for your summer garage sale, consider donating your items to Day Nursery so we can make a classroom prop box.

Prop boxes contain dramatic play props that offer children the freedom to express themselves and to exercise their imaginations. Props that inspire children to play different roles help them interact with each other, cultivating important social skills. Items in prop boxes for Day Nursery should be appropriate for children ages six and younger.

Some examples:

Dance: scarves and streamers, tutus, ballet slippers, vests with colorful and noise making bobbles attached, slip-on cloth slippers.

Farm/Cowboy: overalls, pail, animal brush, empty feed bag, plastic animal sets, paint a large cardboard box red for a barn, boots, denim vests, bandanas, cowboy shirts, chaps, saddle, stick horses

Wedding Party: veils, wedding dress (or old communion dress), fake flowers, fake boutonnières, garter belt, rings, bracelets/necklaces, men’s blazers, high-heeled shoes, white dress shirts, ties, fancy dresses, paper bells to hang.

Tourist – camera, postcards, maps, sunglasses, travel guides

Restaurant – menus, tablecloth or placemats, dishes, apron, vase and flowers, chef hat, order-taking pads, plastic plates

Florist – Silk flowers, plastic vases, ribbon pieces, cash register, tissue to wrap up flowers

Office – child size desk, computer keyboard, adding machine, telephone, phone message pad, calendars, phone books, office supplies

If you would like to make a donation, or have a question about if an item is appropriate, feel free to give us a call at 636-9197 ext. 227.