Pretend play as improvisation: conversation in the preschool classroom

Contents: W.A. Corsaro, Foreword. Preface. Introduction: Play as Improvisational Performance. Play and Conversation. An Improvisational Theory of Children's Play. Studying Pretend Play in the Preschool Classroom. Performance Style and Performances. Joining the Performance: The Metapragmatics of Play Entry. The Improvisational Exchange: Using Metapragmatic Strategies to Negotiate the Play Frame. The Performance of Play: Children's Group Improvisations. Improvisation and Development.