This review will explore the importance of play and its impact on the health and well-being of children of all ages. Evidence that supports the importance of play will be highlighted. Additional resources will be provided to assist parents, caregivers, and professionals on how to utilize play strategies in the everyday experiences of children.

"Research Connections" conducted a comprehensive search of its collection for resources focused on play and early learning. This Key Topic Resource List includes a listing of selected resources on the role of play in early development and learning. From the many results, "Research Connections" selected a limited number of…

Argues that the capacity for consciousness of self and others arises from developing representational and perceptual activities, especially during play. Examines young children's development of symbolic play, from sensorimotor exploration to representational play through five stages involving gestures of recognition, self-pretend and pretend play,…

This bibliography of literature on children and toys covers the period of 1962-1987. About 600 titles, which were collected mainly by literature searches of 10 databases, are covered. The bibliography is divided into three parts. Part I provides an introduction, which includes discussions of technical, quantitative, and qualitative aspects. Part…

Twenty-eight resources dealing with children's dance are listed. (LH)

Properly planned outdoor play areas can be an important aid in the rehabilitation and learning experiences of handicapped children. For a handicapped child the playground becomes a major training and treatment facility as well as a play experience. This bibliography is intended to assist designers in collecting the necessary data and information…

Presents a bibliography of 27 print references and 10 website resources on young children's play. Includes the following resources available through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): 27 articles in the "Young Children" journal, 7 books, and 4 brochures. (KB)

Overviews some of the latest predictable books for emergent readers, this month looking at books that develop a sense of rhythm and books that entice children to play with words. Offers suggestions for using these 12 books in the classroom. (SR)

This bibliography offers an historical perspective on imaginary play companions with 48 entries dating from 1891 to 1975. Entries, which include journal articles, monographs, and books, draw heavily from child development literature. A list of 10 titles from general literature related to the subject of imaginary companions is also included. The…

This bibliography of 237 titles on children's toys and play includes materials published from 1893 to 1970. Citations were gleaned from library catalogs, "Psychological Abstracts,""Child Development Abstracts,""Education Index" and "Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature." The bibliography is arranged alphabetically by author; where no author is…

In a recent survey of parents and early childhood professionals the prevalence of war play among children and an increase in the amount of violence in children's play was noted. Outlines how the deregulation of children's television during the Reagan administration has affected children's exposure to violence in children's television programming.…

Presents brief annotations of 25 recently published children's books that lend themselves to language play in the classroom. Organizes the items into books that celebrate the sounds, images, movement, and feelings of language. (SR)

Summarizes recent ERIC documents and journal articles relating to topics examined in this issue of the Early Childhood Research Quarterly. (BG)

Summarizes 17 recent ERIC documents and journal articles discussing Piagetian perspectives on children's cognitive abilities and development. Includes sources on children's thought, learning, and problem-solving processes; physical and natural causality; correspondence and number conservation; circular reactions; the 5- to 7-year shift; science…

The reference circular is intended to help parents promote the development of their handicapped preschoolers. Resources of five major types are listed: recordings of stories, songs, and learning activities, educational games, toys, and play equipment; books for parents; magazines of interest to parents; and national organizations concerned with…