The Relationship between Symbolic Play Development and Early Vocabulary Acquisition in Toddlers

Choi, Yoon Ji; Lee, Yoon Kyoung

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Commun Sci Disord. 2011;16(3): 248-260.

Yoon Ji Choi^` , and Yoon Kyoung Lee^`

최윤지(Yoon Ji Choi)| 이윤경(Yoon Kyoung Lee)

ABSTRACT

Background & Objectives
This research aimed to examine difference in play development by chronological age and to identify the relationship between play development and vocabulary use.
Methods
The participants were 30 toddlers aged 12 to 30 months with typical development. The toddlers were divided into three groups; 10 toddlers aged 12~17 months, 10 toddlers aged 18~23 months, and 10 toddlers aged 24~30 months. The toddlers’ play was videotaped for about 30 minutes in a free play situation and 10 minutes were analyzed using Casby’s (2003b) play taxonomy. The toddler’s vocabulary ability was measured using a word list of MB CDI-K, and NDW, NTW.
Results
The results of the present study are as follows: (1) There were significant differences in symbolic behavior. (2) A significant correlation between expressive language and symbolic behavior was found. Discussion & Conclusions: Toddler’s symbolic play abilities changed as increasing their age and their vocabulary acquisition and use were closely related their symbolic play abilities. These results were discussed in terms of development of symbolic play and the relationship between early development of expressive language and symbolic play.