Nursery World - A Unique Child: Practice in pictures

A different way of observing children in role play challenges what practitioners offer in the learning environment, says Anne O'Connor.

Christopher, Vicky and Megan (all aged four) are in the writing corner, which has become their factory office. They make good use of all the writing resources, telephoning and writing things down. Christopher cuts out trouser shapes to display in the factory window. They measure the trousers against themselves. Other children come and interact with them then leave, but Christopher and Vicky continue the game for a long time.

GOOD PRACTICE

1. The children are pretending to work in an office in a factory. Pretence is something that we generally start to see emerging in children well into their second year, when they start to 'hold' objects and people in their minds even when they are not there.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included