This paper examines aspects of role playing in young children focusing specifically on the importance of role playing, the components of role playing and how to use role playing. The importance of role playing is discussed and several reasons for believing that role playing is related to intellectual and social development and to learning language and reading are presented. Five components of role playing as presented by Curry and Arnaud (1974) are discussed. The teacher role in preparing for and managing role playing is then discussed step-by-step and several specific "how to" suggestions are offered. Finally, the facilitation of growth in language and reading through the use of role playing in the Language and Imaginative Play Approach (LIPA) is discussed. (JMB)