If you know what inspires kids at every age, you'll find the key to helping them master new skills and become successful students. First graders love dramatic play. Making up and acting out stories builds literacy and social skills, says Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D., a child development psychologist at Temple University in Philadelphia and co-author of Einstein Never Used Flashcards. "Research shows that children who are able to tell and act out stories are better readers," she says. Whenever your child creates scenarios or reenacts a beloved tale, she's practicing story sequencing — a necessary reading and writing skill, explains Dianne Carter, a veteran 1st grade teacher for many years at Anne Hutchinson School in Eastchester, New York (she now teaches 2nd grade). Through pretend play, your child learns that a story has a beginning (where the characters and setting are established); a middle (where most the action happens); and an ending (where a problem gets solved). Role-playing also requires your child to see the world through the eyes of another — an essential social skill that builds empathy and tolerance.

Find motivating dramatic-play activities on Scholastic.com.