Research On The Peer Interactions Of Mixed-age Children In Free Play

In free play among same-age children, they can choose their playmates, materials and decide how to play and how to use those materials freely. While in the mixed-age environment, children can not only play with the same-age child, but also have lots of mixed-age interaction opportunities. Then in such open, natural and inclusive interpersonal environment, what is the interaction like between mixed-age children in free play? Using the method of observation and case analysis, we tried to explore three questions. Firstly, in totally child-initiated play, how will the three kinds of free play:sports play, role play and constructive play exhibit and what is the tendency to different kinds of play for mixed-age children. Secondly, how will mixed-age children choose playmates in free play. Thirdly, how will mixed-age children interact with each other. The conclusions are as follows:Firstly, the different kinds of play are going at the same time, converted mutually and not restricted by the regions and materials. Secondly, in the open outdoor playground, mixed-age children choose more sports play and less constructive play. Thirdly, there are more interactions of different age than of the same-age in free play. Fourth, in mixed-age free play, children like to choose playmates close in age. Most of them like to play with the same age children and those of age differing by one year from themselves. Fifth, mostly children play at a high level in mixed-age play. Sixth, the play types affect the rate and level of interactions between mixed-age children. Seventh, the age span affects the level of interactions between mixed-age children. Children of the same age and age-span with one year interact at a high level. While children with age-span of two years and those including three age groups interact at a low level.