The Use of the Peer Play Code In Observing Social Interaction of Young

Children

Lanore WestCo-author(s)-Christopher B. Denning & Dr. Tina

Stanton-Chapman

Why is the peer play code done?

To complement standardized assessments

Two types: video vs. live

What can be observed?

Parten’s Play Stages The first article examining play

behaviors among pre-school children Observed children’s play behavior and

categorized play based on what she observed

Play stages include› Onlooker› Independent Solitary play› Parallel activity› Cooperative/Organized supplementary play

Parten, B. Mildred. (1932) School Participation Among Pre-school Children

Peer-Play Code Developed a code that was

appropriate for our population of interest (children enrolled in HeadStart, Preschool, externalizing/internalizing behavior)

Incorporated Parten’s play research and work from others in the field (Fujuki, Brinton, Isaacson, & Summers, 2001; Parten, 1932; Qi & Kaiser, 2004; Rubin, 2001)

Coding Definitions

Important points to consider when developing definitions:› Behaviors

must be observable› Coders must be able to observe the

same behaviors› Reliability

Code

Event-positive/negative measures of autonomous behaviors or aggression while playing

Duration-codes used to specify play behaviors of children

Event Codes Child Initiated (CI): interactive

behavior (verbal or physical) by the target child toward a peer

Peer Initiated (PI): interactive behavior (verbal, non-verbal, physical) by a peer toward the target child that is complimentary and is followed by a peer behavior

Aggression (CA): any physical touch that is intended to be aversive, negative, or restrictive of the child’s activity

Duration Codes Following directions (FD): child is on

task, following teacher’s directions or engaging in appropriate behavior.

Parallel play (PP): the child is playing with toys similar to those used in the vicinity.

Associative play (AP): child plays with peer without role assignment. Distinguishing feature is the focus of the child.

Equal cooperative play (CPE): child is engaged in activity with others equally. Conversation should be present.

How We Code

Using hand-held computers

Live

Video clips

Video Example

Codes from video example

Following directions (FD)

Parallel play (PP)

Equal Cooperative Play (CPE)

Associative Play (AP)

Solitary Play (SP)