Cross‐situational variation on children's pretend play

Abstract

Cross‐situational variation on children's pretend play was investigated by examining solitary and dyadic play behaviours in children #opn=81#cp who ranged in age from 2 to 6 years. Children's play was videotaped in the play rooms of day care centres during two sessions, one while playing alone and one with a same‐age and same‐gender peer. The play sessions took place one month apart and a selected set of toys was used. The focus of interest was on the occurrence of decent ration, decontextualization and integration as a function of age and session. The results indicated that children's overall productivity measured by the number of play acts decreased in the presence of a peer in all age groups. The quality of play behaviour, however, improved in dyadic play. All age groups produced more pretend play and less non‐pretend object handling and transformations in the company of a familiar peer. This change was clearest among 3‐year‐olds. Integration variables also revealed some situational variation. The prop...