The children are engaged in super-hero and rough and tumble play.

They ‘step outside’ the play-frame, agree and check on the script of the play, negotiate, take cues from others and cooperate in their play.

They are also very involved as their play continues for a large part of the session. The rough and tumble aspect of their play is very physical and allows the children to explore how they use their bodies and judge risks. Trust is also an important aspect of this type of play where pretend fighting is involved.

In super-hero play the children can explore issues such as fear, excitement and distress. Perhaps Seth is experiencing this as he insists that the enemy is invisible? The children also move in and out of role eg when two children suddenly become dogs, perhaps prompted by being on all fours, and again when they all engage in domestic role play in the home corner until prompted by Thomas to be super-heroes again.