There is something about mysteries that capture the imagination. Our kids get super excited about mysteries. So, I decided to tie into that with a pretend play detective box. This would work well in a classroom pretend play area with a few duplicate items.
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Detective Pretend Play
You will need:
- Box to store detective props
- Glasses (can be non-prescription eye glasses, sunglasses)
- Binoculars (real or made with toilet paper rolls)
- Magnifying glass (have several if in classroom box)
- Flashlights
- Hats
- Paper or notebook with pen
- Envelope labeled ‘Top Secret’
I found that this box enticed their imaginations immediately and they were off and running. They needed very little in terms of suggestions. They cast their own parts and acted them out with ease. You could enhance the activity if desired by having an actual mystery for them to solve with clues in the envelope, but I don’t think that is necessary. If they have any exposure to mysteries they will be able to create their own adventures.
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We ordered Season 2 through Amazon. We get the non-HD version as it is about half the price.
This is an example of one of the episodes:
Here are some more Pretend Play Ideas from the Early Childhood Education Team
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What a fun pretend play "investigation."
Thank you Growing Book by Book.
They had a lot of fun. Ryder even copied the words 'Top Secret' onto one of the papers I had put I the envelope with no prompting from me. I was excited to see him practice writing on his own.
: 0 ) Theresa
Great pretend play,everyone wants to be a detective at least once.
Hi Natasha.
Your comment cracked me up. I think you're right. It is a fun thing to pretend to be.
: 0 )Theresa
My kids love mysteries! I think they would to solve one as detectives!
My son is just starting to get really into Busytown Mysteries! I think a detective box like this would be super fun for him!
Hi Krystal.
It is such an easy activity to set up and they really let their imaginations take off. Ours have been into the box for days and even shared the idea with friends.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Stefanie.
I think this would be perfect for your son! He would probably have a blast creating and solving his own mysteries.
: 0 ) Theresa
My daughter would love this! She's loves solving things and pretending/dress up. Great idea!
Thank you Meredith.
It is fun to pretend to solve mysteries. They even have murder mystery dinners for adults who want to pretend to be detectives.
: 0 ) Theresa
This looks like a lot of fun. We love mysteries here too! I am pretty sure I have everything we need to make this pretend play happen this week! Thanks for the great idea!
My kids are totally into solving mysteries! What a fun way to pretend!
That detective basket looks so inviting for pretend play! I would love to see what mysteries my kids would solve first!
Thank you Alecia.
I hope your family enjoys it.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Kim.
There is something about mysteries that really captures their imagination.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Clarissa.
It is fun to see what kids come up with using a few props.
: 0 ) Theresa