Date: Tuesday May 12, 2026 at 9am PDT (USA)
Guest Speaker: Francine Smolucha
Summary: The previous session explored how object substitution play with toddlers could introduce basic concepts in mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Beginning with finger play with infants, using one object as if it were another, furthers shape and pattern recognition. Simple geometric shapes used in object substitution play can further the develop of metaphoric thinking, as well assymbolic representation that does not require shape resemblances as in writing and mathematics. Let’s explore this untapped potential of object substitution play. My approach to object substitution play is based on the Russian texts of Vygotsky and Elkonin, my dissertation (1991), my own childhood, and child-rearing. Numerous empirical studies published in the last ten years are consistent with what I am saying, and discussed in more detail in a paper that I am currently writing.
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/98564124237 [zoom.us]
Meeting ID: 985 6412 4237
Passcode: Vygotsky
Readings:
Elkonin, D. B. (2005) Psychology of Play. Journal of Russian and East European Psychology, 43(1)
https://www.scribd.com/document/581820224/The-Psychology-of-Play [scribd.com]
Creaghe, N., Quinn, S., and Kidd, E. (2021) Symbolic play provides a fertile context for language development. Infancy 26(6)
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/infa.12422 [onlinelibrary.wiley.com]
Orr, E. and Geva, R. (2015) Symbolic play and language development. Infant Behavior and Development, 38.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016363831500003X [sciencedirect.com]
Palacios, P., Rodriguez, C., and Mendes-Sanchez, C. (2018) Communicative mediation by adults in the construction of symbolic uses by infants.
Integrative Psychology of Behavior, 52
Smolucha, L. and Smolucha, F. (1998) The social origins of mind: Post-Piagetian perspectives on pretend play. In O. Saracho and B. Spodek (Eds.)
Multiple Perspectives on Early Childhood Education, pp. 34-58.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1997-36701-003 [psycnet.apa.org]