Role Play Instructional Cycle 

HIPPY uses a simple but powerful method called role play.
Instead of just reading instructions, parents practice the activities before doing them with their child. This hands-on approach helps parents feel confident, prepared, and ready to lead learning at home.

What Is Role Play?

Role play means practicing an activity by taking turns in different roles.

• One person acts as the parent (teacher)
• The other acts as the child (learner)

This allows parents to experience the activity from both perspectives. They learn how to guide the activity and also understand how their child might respond.
It’s a safe, supportive way to learn. There is no pressure to be perfect. Mistakes are part of the process and help build confidence.

Why Role Play Works

Role play is the heart of the HIPPY model because it helps parents:

• Feel confident leading activities on their own
• Better understand how young children learn
• Build patience and empathy for their child’s development
• Learn by doing, not just reading or listening

This approach also makes the program accessible for all families, including those who may not feel confident with reading or traditional teaching methods.

How Role Play Happens Each Week

Role play follows a simple weekly cycle:
1. Staff Practice
Coordinators and Home Visitors practice the week’s activities together during training.
2. Home Visitor Practice
Home Visitors try the activities on their own or with a practice child to understand how children may respond.
3. Parent Practice
Home Visitors meet with parents and role play the activities together.
4. Learning at Home
Parents then do the activities with their child throughout the week.
This cycle repeats each week, building skills, confidence, and consistency over time.

Designed to Grow With You

As parents become more comfortable, the way role play is used begins to evolve.

• Early on, activities are practiced step-by-step
• Over time, parents begin to lead more naturally
• Conversations replace scripts as confidence grows

For younger children, role play may be paired with guided discussion to better match their developmental needs.