The Narrative Organisation of Children's Fantasy Play: the effects of age and play context

Abstract

The intention of the study was to examine the extent to which the narrative organisation of children's play varied as a function of age and play context. Same age and same gender dyads from each of two age groups (four‐ and five‐year‐olds) were observed playing in an experimental playroom. On two occasions they played in a high structure, scripted, context (doctor props and dolls) and on two occasions they played in a low structure, non‐scripted, context (blocks and novel shapes). Narrative organisation of play was measured by the children's integration of events into complex fantasy play themes. Predicted age effects were supported to the extent that play scripts became more complex with age. Context effects were minimal; older children's play was more advanced than younger children's in the low structure context. Results were described in terms of children's ability to play independently of props present in their play environments. Further research is recommended on the effects of context on play.