Using observation as research method, the researchers analyzed the metacommunication signals in the initiation of pretend play of 60 children aged 3- 6. The results are as follows: (1) The metacommunication signals used by children aged 3- 6 in pretend play show a tendency of transition from non- verbal signals to verbal signals with the increase of age. (2) Metacom?munication signals used in regional activities show a feature of borrowing special materials and being limited by material explor?ing ability, and metacommunication signals used in life activities show a feature of using spontaneou...