Constructing activity: participation by adults and children

This research investigates adult-child interactions during an open ended ac tivity in a pre-school setting. The aim of the study is to explore the cont ribution of both the adult and the child in a naturally occurring activity which did not have a pre-defined end point. Adult-child dyads were observed and recorded during a Lego building activity in a playgroup in North Londo n. The activity is interpreted in the context of the adults' intentions for the activity and in relation to the principles of the playgroup. The analy sis focuses on the way in which the activity developed and was influenced b y both participants. This revealed that the dyads' focus on physical constr uction with the Lego blocks was interspersed with conversations and other a ctivities, introduced by the adults and also by the children. The children used a variety of devices to influence the direction and focus of the activ ity. It is argued that an important aspect of an open ended activity is the unfolding and development of the activity and that children not only play an active role in their own learning, they are also active partners in cons tructing the activity itself (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.