Russian folks pedagogics was studied in order to evaluate such forms of adult-child interaction that help to promote imagination. The study was based on protocol records of old people's communication with 1-3-years-old children. It is shown that the adults often use imaginary situations in order to gladden the child and to direct its behaviour. The child's participation is natural and involuntary at first. Then the child performs imaginary actions proposed by the adult: uses one object as if it were another (a ring as a hat or a basin), verbally addresses the object, enacts somebody else, models life situations with a toy. Imaginary actions serve as imagination manifestations on elementary level. Imaginary situations and actions are recommended as a means of a small child upbringing.