This study gathered information on the extent to which children participate in the mature routines of their community, and the extent to which elders participate in child-centered activities. Subjects were children ranging in age from 30 to 45 months from the four societies of: (1) Mayan Indians living in a rural Guatemalan town; (2) the Efe living in the Ituri rainforest of northeastern Zaire; and (3) urban middle-class communities in Boston and Salt Lake City. Researchers visited 12 families from each of the 4 communities and monitored children's conversations and conversations of others held within the child's hearing. Findings showed that Efe and Mayan children had many opportunities to observe and participate in adult economic activities. Adults in United States communities were more likely to use lessons to teach children about the world around them and more likely to be partners in play than Efe or Mayan adults. Findings suggest that when children take part in the mature practices of their community, the skills and social customs valued by the community are readily available to them; in communities where most economic activity goes on outside of the home and neighborhood, children's experience with the mature practices of their community is limited. (HOD)