Cognitive and Social Play of Australian Preschoolers

Abstract

This paper reports on the play behaviours of preschoolers aged 49–64 months. The study was conducted in four Sydney preschools, with children being observed during their outdoor free play. Most participants engaged in a variety of play behaviours, many of which have been linked with cognitive development in previous research (constructive play, sociodramatic play, associative social play). However, thematic pretend play, which has been found to have an important role in many areas of development, including perspective taking, language, impulse control and divergent problem solving, was part of the play repertoire of only 20% of children observed. Likewise, only 24% of children engaged in cooperative social play, which has been found to have a role in the development of divergent problem solving skills. It is argued that staff working within early childhood programs may benefit from training in the use of programs designed to assist young children in the development of play skills.