What does Garvey imply about children’s understanding of language during play?

Garvey suggests that children actively engage in experimenting with language structures during play. This phase of language development allows them to explore different ways of using language, which may not adhere strictly to grammatical rules but enables creative expression. Through play, children often create imaginative scenarios that encourage them to manipulate language in diverse ways, testing out new vocabulary, forming novel sentences, and imitating adults or peers. Such experimentation is crucial for their linguistic and cognitive growth, as it helps them gradually refine their understanding of language norms and conventions. This playful interaction reflects a natural and instinctive way for children to learn and develop language skills, highlighting the importance of play in language acquisition.