The object of this study was to determine the extent to which children displayed predictable, recurring patterns of behavior when engaged in self-selected activities. Subjects were four girls and three boys, 4 years of age, all from middle class urban families. The classroom's free play space was divided into four equal areas. Toys were divided into four groups: art materials, blocks, dramatic toys, and manipulative toys and books. Each day the toy groups were randomly assigned to the four areas, with each free play session being videotaped simultaneously from two directions. Observer recordings of each child's movements and the toys he used were summarized, coded, and analyzed. Significant differences were found in the time spent by children in specific physical locations. These differences were related to the nature of the area and the proximity of the play materials to the teacher. Children tended to choose play materials that could be moved to another area of the room. Differences in the nature of independent and group play were related to materials and location. (DR)