Rainy Day Activity: Create a Play

Once again the weather has taken an ugly turn here in Wichita. It's a cold, rainy day. So what can you do with the kids on a day like today? How about creating your own play? This is a fun and inexpensive activity you can do with the kids that sparks creativity and imagination.

I am going to use Cinderella as our example play theme here today. Begin by sitting down with your kids and taking turns telling the story. Have each person tell a different part, such as beginning, middle and end. The more children you have, the more you parts you will need to split the story into. If you have just one child, then you should take turns with her in telling parts of the story. Be sure to write down your child's version of the story as they tell it. (or you can record them telling it) I absolutely love to hear how children interpret stories. It is seldom the same as the original, and tends to be far better and often quite funny. Make sure you write down the date and age of your children on your written transcript of their version and save it for the scrapbook.

Next, decide who is going to play which part in the play. If you don't have enough children to assign one for each character, they can each play more than one, or they can assign a character to a favorite doll, stuffed animal, or pet. Just imagine the family dog playing the handsome prince or the cat as the fairy Godmother. The sillier the play gets, the more fun and entertaining it is. Next, send everyone off to find their perfect costume. Play clothes, that fancy dress they only wore once, or even some of mom and dad's clothes work great for costumes.

Be sure to create a special area to hold the play. You can do this as simple or intricate as you wish. A stage is created simply by hanging a sheet or blanket to use as a curtain. A couch can become a castle when draped with a pretty sheet. Maybe your kids would prefer to simply draw all the scenes on large sheets of paper or create them from cardboard boxes.

Now, using the version of the play the children wrote, and dressed in their amazing costumes they designed themselves, it is time for the play. Chances are the story will change once again. Children, especially the younger ones, will not remember the story they created exactly. It really does not matter, because they will still have fun.

Whether you prefer to join in and take part in the play or simply sit back and watch, this is a wonderful activity that will put a smile on your face as well as your kids. Don't forget to bring out the video camera and record the show!

Want more fun with Cinderella? Take the kids to see the children's theater version of Cinderella at The Crown Uptown this weekend. Cinderella is playing through April 11th. Individual tickets are $8.95 + tax per person. Tickets include a kids' fare buffet lunch: Hot dogs, chicken nuggets, french fries, macaroni and cheese, applesauce and a cookie for dessert. Matinee performances are on Friday and Saturdays. Doors open at 11:00 a.m., Buffet at 11:15 a.m. and the show starts at 12:15 p.m.