A simple interaction shows symbolic play and social interaction between toddlers, says Anne O'Connor.

Jaleel is 20 months old and his first language is French. He loves playing in the nursery garden and enjoys using the open-ended resources, such as pots and pans, for his own games. He seems to be using the grass in his pan as pretend food. He takes the pan and goes to sit next to Willow, aged 17 months. Their growing friendship is encouraged by Karmel, the practitioner. Jaleel offers Willow some of his grass food. A little later they sit facing each other and Willow wants the wooden spoon and pan that Jaleel is playing with. The practitioner solves the potential conflict by getting another spoon and pan so that they can continue to play happily. Sometime later, Jaleel hears Willow crying and once again he offers her some of his grass 'food'. Even though he doesn't actually give it to her, Willow is calmed by his offer.

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