Community Helpers Dramatic Play Badges

Cut out and laminate a set so badges can be reused, then punch the holes and add yarn or a clip. Children choose a badge as they enter the dramatic play area and wear it to show which helper they are playing.

A cover and 3 pages of role badges, 6 on each page, 18 in all. Each badge has a helper picture, the job name and a Name: line. The jobs are police officer, firefighter, doctor, nurse, teacher, mail carrier, librarian, veterinarian, dentist, chef, baker, farmer, construction worker, crossing guard, sanitation worker, paramedic, bus driver and judge. The directions read: Cut out a badge. Write your name on it, then punch the hole and add a string or clip.

Yes. We made it for Preschool to 1st Grade community helpers, and it works the same at home or at school. Families print it for one child and keep it where they will use it every day. Teachers print a copy per student or one for the whole room, whichever the day needs.

Pick one setting, such as the fire station, post office or doctor's office, print its signs, labels and cutouts, and add a few real props. The badges and the job application form let children choose a role and take turns.

The Community Helper Counting to 10 Clip Cards have an answer key. The rest are open activities, signs and crafts.