Abstract
This research aims to show the importance of imitation to preschoolers by explaining the function of imitation in the physical activity of preschoolers. “Physical activity” includes the following ; sports, dancing, rhythm and body expression activity. A case investigation was conducted on anecdotes collected from a survey with care providers at kindergartens and nurseries as well as some incidents I myself came to witness at one kindergarten.
The result showed that imitation could be classified into four patterns depending on the difference in relationship and transfiguration of those who imitate and those who are imitated. Based on these patterns, I was able to logically categories the internal feeling of the children in light of the functions of imitation. This led to the following conclusion. The role of imitation in physical activity is to “help stimulate physical communication with others.” It also creates “trend/boom” among children. Trends in physical activity spread through physical and uncertain communication rather than through clear and verbal communication with others. From this perspective, it can be said that physical activity among children provides them with the important chance of enacting physical communication with others.
