In the thesis we study the play and imagination of children between the ages of three and four. Our purpose was to study how children play and use their imagination with regular toys compared to objects that are not usually used for playing. The aim of the thesis was to find new ways to develop children's creativity and imagination in play. Our theoretical framework consists of the development of the child's play and imagination, the importance of attachment, and the role of the adult in play and early childhood education. In addition, we will briefly review the boundary conditions set by the Early Childhood Education plan regarding the role and implementation of play in early childhood education.

We received a research permit from Pori Pilke music kindergarten Rytmi, where we carried out our research. Our research is qualitative research. We used observation and interview as research methods. We visited the group three times in total. The first visit was to get to know the children and the research environment. On the second visit we observed children playing with toys and on the third visit we observed children playing with everyday objects. We observed children in a group of four. We videotaped the last two of the observation sessions. We also interviewed the children after the last two observations. We interviewed the children one by one.

The study found that different objects affect children's play and use of imagination. Symbolic meanings were invented for everyday objects, which again did not happen when children played with toys. Children's play was varied and imaginative with everyday objects. The children's interest was better maintained when playing with everyday objects. Communication between the children was more plentiful and the children involved the researchers in playing with everyday objects. Based on the results of the research carried out in the thesis, we can say that playing with everyday objects is more creative and imaginative. The use of everyday objects or other available materials in play is one way to develop children's creative thinking and imagination.