Pooh Bear's Turn! An Australian study of adults using special toys to develop play complexity from within children's imaginary play

This chapter presents a case study in which adult interaction with a child and their special toy in the imaginary situation was captured in the preparation for and transition to Angela childcare centre. It examines the family's support for the extended role-play scenario of one child, Angela, around her birthday party as enacted with and through her special toy, Pooh Bear. The chapter begins with a brief discussion of the cultural-historical literature on role play in the lives of young children and also examines adult involvement in their play. It provides relation to how the special toy affords the possibility for developing the complexity of Angela's role play. The chapter discusses the concept of positioning is introduced in relation to role play where a child's relation with her special toy. It provides a discussion of the findings. The chapter explores the role of the special toy, which offers one possibility to encourage adult involvement.