Pick any character and perform a fake phone call
Choose a character and perform a pretend phone call, practicing voice, dialogue, and expression while using props or recording, and do not call real numbers.
Step-by-step guide to perform a pretend phone call as a chosen character
Step 1
Choose a character you want to be for the phone call.
Step 2
Decide why this character is making the call.
Step 3
Choose who your character is calling like a friend a shopkeeper or a family member.
Step 4
Write a short script of three to six lines that includes a greeting a main idea and a goodbye.
Step 5
Pick one or two props to wear or hold that help you feel like the character.
Step 6
Choose a voice style for your character such as high low fast or slow.
Step 7
Practice your script out loud with expression and make your voice match the character.
Step 8
Pretend to dial on your toy phone or an imaginary phone and do not call real phone numbers.
Step 9
Perform the full pretend phone call from start to finish while staying in character.
Step 10
Ask an adult to help you record the pretend call if you want to save or replay it.
Step 11
Listen to your recorded call or remember how it sounded quietly.
Step 12
Pick one small change to make your character more fun or clearer.
Step 13
Perform the pretend call again using that change.
Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of a toy phone or a recorder if we don't have them?
If you don't have a toy phone, make a cardboard or paper 'phone' and pretend to dial as instructed, and if you need to record ask an adult to use their phone's voice memo app in airplane mode to save the call.
What should we do if the child keeps forgetting lines or breaks character during the performance?
Write the three- to six-line script on a small cue card (step 'Write a short script of three to six lines'), use the 'Practice your script out loud with expression' step, and let props cue lines so the child can stay in character during the full pretend phone call.
How can we adapt the activity for younger or older children?
For younger kids shorten the script to one or two lines, choose a single prop and have an adult prompt during 'Pretend to dial on your toy phone or an imaginary phone', while older children can expand the script, try varied voice styles (step 'Choose a voice style'), record their version, and refine it after listening.
How can we make the pretend phone call more creative or personalized?
Add simple sound effects with household items during 'Perform the full pretend phone call', wear distinctive props from 'Pick one or two props to wear or hold', experiment with different voice styles, record with adult help, then use 'Pick one small change to make your character more fun or clearer' before sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to perform a pretend phone call as a character
Disney Junior Magic Phone starring Mickey Mouse (Disney) - Best App For Kids
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Disney Junior Magic Phone starring Mickey Mouse (Disney) - Best App For Kids
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Incoming call from Mickey Mouse
Facts about dramatic play and role-play for kids
🕺 Improv performers use the rule "Yes, and..." to accept and build on ideas, making scenes more playful and surprising.
🎭 Many professional voice actors can perform dozens of distinct character voices and switch between them quickly.
📞 The first telephone call (1876) was Alexander Graham Bell saying, "Mr. Watson, come here — I want to see you."
🧸 Using props like a toy phone boosts imagination — and pretending to call is always safer than dialing real numbers.
🎙️ You can record clear character calls with just a smartphone and a free app — no fancy studio required to practice.
How do I perform a pretend phone call activity where my child acts as a character?
What materials do I need for a pretend character phone call?
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