Toddler and older peer play: agentic imagination and joyful learning

This chapter draws attention to the concept of agentic imagination and joyful learning in peer play. How does agentic imagination in peer play enable joyful learning? Data from an Australian research project studying babies and toddlers capture moments of joyful attunement in a play episode between cousins, a toddler (18 months) and older peer (9 years). A cultural-historical theoretical approach is used to examine peer play through perspectives of imagination, social relations, situated context and shared feelings. Through visual narrative methodology, researchers use video and screen shot techniques to capture, analyse and conceptualise moments of peer play and use of agentic imagination. This new term conveys how player’s agency is freely and wilfully expressed through imagination which actively shapes and transforms objects, actions and ideas. A case example is provided. Findings imply that giving time and space to toddler and older peer play, encourages agentic imagination and joyful learning.