Spontaneous thematic play behavior in children is investigated. Environmental prerequisites of play and possible functions of play in cognitive and personality development are discussed. Whether modelling is a prerequisite for thematic play, and the relationship between level of play and creativity test performance in children are assessed. (DP)

This book presents a study of cognitive-affective interdependence as shown in children's fantasy behavior. The systems of Piaget and Freud are the foundation of analysis. The study data consist of approximately one hundred verbatim recordings of the dramatic play of 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds (in groups or alone) collected by trained teachers in a…

This article discusses play as necessary for children if they are to develop satisfactorily from a social, moral, physical, or intellectual point of view. Children must be provided suitable opportunities for play, graded for age, adjusted to sex and other personal differences, and related to prevailing activities, popular interests, community…