A STUDY OF PLAY IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN: An Examination of Changes in Children\u27s Play behaviour during their First Year in a Kindergarten ―Comparison between the First Term and the Second Term―

Research was done to clarify the changes of three-year-old children\u27s play behaviour in the first year of the kindergarten. The present report discusses the changes of play behaviour between the first term and the second term. The play was videotaped and analysed under three main headings; type of play, interpersonal behaviour and other behaviour.1) Type of play1. \u27Solitary play\u27 and \u27parallel play\u27 decreased from the first term to the second term.2. \u27Group play\u27(including \u27mixed sex group\u27 and \u27same sex group\u27 play)increased from the first term to the second term both for children alone and for a group involving a teacher, and for both sexes.2) Interpersonal Behaviour1. \u27Imitating another child\u27, \u27looking at a child\u27, \u27body contact\u27(both with children alone andwith a teacher and/or an adult) and \u27seeking contact with children\u27 decreased from the firstterm to second term.2. \u27Proximity to other children\u27 and \u27seeking attention\u27(both with children alone and with ateacher and/or an adult) increased from the first term to the second term.3) Other Behaviour:1. \u27Wandering\u27 decreased greatly from the first term to the second term.2. \u27Object conflict\u27 increased from the first term to the second term.3. \u27Rough and tumble play\u27 and \u27aggressive behaviour\u27 were observed in boys more often thangirls during the two terms