Developmental Analysis of Symbolic Perceptual Actions in Preschools

The goal of this study is to identify developmental level of symbolic actions at perceptual level. 20 preschool children between 5 and 6 years old from the city of Bogota were included in the study. The level of symbolic development was assessed by application of qualitative protocol designed for this purpose before and after inclusion of the children in the social role-play. The results showed low level of symbolic development before participation on the playing activity. After participation in formative program based on social role-play the children showed positive development of symbolic actions. Such changes were observed by implementation of the same protocol after the program. The results have permitted to propose some indicators of positive symbolic development at perceptive level. Among such indicators there are: possibility for generalized representation of features of an object or situation on graphic level; to create a recognizable symbol and to use graphic symbols as means for memory and ability to explain the meaning of own drawings. We discuss the inclusion of external materialized and perceptual means inside social role-play in order to guarantee positive development of symbolic function.