We Don't Want the Monsters to Eat You: How Children Initiate Play

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Language and Social Interaction Interactive Paper Session: Constructing Controversy, Help, and Play

Abstract

When children want others to play with them, they can either use fantasy terminology or non-fantasy terminology. While both approaches can be successful, it appears as though when children use fantasy terminology to engage others in their co-play, they are much more successful than when they use non-fantasy terminology.

Author

• Darcey K Searles, Rutgers University