ABSTRACT

W e introduce Devon and Brad, two 11-year-old boys, and invite them to sit at atable where there are some toys. The boys talk together for a few minutes, andthen we bring in 12-year-old Norris. “Devon and Brad,” we say, “This is Norris. Norris, this is Devon and Brad.” Norris sits down in the empty chair between the other two boys. Devon says, “Hi.” Norris does not respond. Devon pulls several pieces of a wooden dinosaur skeleton out of a box. Norris also pulls out some pieces. Devon and Brad begin to assemble the skeleton body, talking about the various pieces and their placement. Norris remains silent and works alone on some segments of the dinosaur tail. About 5 minutes into the interaction, Devon hands Norris a vertebra, saying, “Here’s another one of those pieces.” Norris takes the piece and looks at it. Seven minutes into the interaction, Devon reaches across Norris and picks up a piece of the skeleton. For 13 more minutes, Devon and Brad talk and work together. Norris sits between them, silently manipulating the tailpieces.