ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the link between the work of the Opies and ethnomethodological and conversation analytic studies by identifying aspects of young children’s games and rules that have been eloquently explored in both domains. The collective work of the Opies explores children’s lore and rituals in their daily interactions, stimulating the interests of many academics interested in the historical significance of children’s games. The pioneering work of the Opies has been an inspiration to many people interested in children’s play and games, academics and non-academics alike. While many laws of childhood are delivered and transmitted through rhyme and song, they are acknowledged by the Opies as very ‘serious’ in the sense of establishing and moulding the bounds of legal and illegal actions of acceptable and non-acceptable behaviour. The following transcriptions are taken from Iona Opie’s conversations with children made available through the British Library.
