In an imaginary "Agency of Smiles," preschool children pretending to be aid workers are immersed in such activities as typing letters, sending and receiving faxes, answering phones, and negotiating with clients. A mail carrier delivers a letter from an immigrant preschool boy in the Netherlands, who requests help in making friends in his new environment. The employees of "Agency of Smiles" brainstorm about possible solutions. Finally, children send an "ambassador" with the following message: "Let your teacher know about your skills, and demonstrate them to your classmates, too. It does not matter that you do not speak the new language; you can sing, draw pictures, or do sports with your new friends. This will make you happy, and other children will realize how wonderful you are." At a Hungarian preschool (1), children, teachers, and even custodians are improvising a role with the guidance of a facilitator. While imitating actions and language in this imaginary environment, children are solving problems and developing comprehension of themselves and the world around them.
