Speech patterns not intended for communication with others; "talking to oneself "

Many young children engage in a rich pattern of speech with imaginary playmates or in imagined set tings. Researchers have found that certain characteristics of creativity—e.g., imagination and problem-solving—are reflected in preschool children's private speech. Studies have revealed that many young children use private speech to provide self-guidance while performing school and play tasks. The results of one study on private speech were presented in 1992 at the meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Twenty children from two kindergarten classrooms (one mixed-age, one same-age) were observed for four weeks, using a time-sampling procedure. Results using statistical analysis indicated private speech use varied in different physical and social situations. For example, children used more self-regulatory private speech when engaged in a specific task, compared to free play. They also used more private speech...