An assessment procedure based on M. Lowenfeld' World Technique was used to study pretend play in 25 mildly retarded children (5-7 years old) and 20 non-handicapped children (4-5 years old). Five descriptive levels suggestive of a progression were found: developmental manupulative nonsymbolic play; symbolic play; play with a scene; play with a theme; and play with a story. (Author/CL)