The objectives of this paper are (1) to present the relationship of play to language and cognition, (2) to describe the stages of play and discuss recent literature about the characteristics of play, and (3) to describe the use of play with the multifaceted goals of cognition, pragmatics, semantics, syntax, and morphology as an intervention…

Ten elements comprising the basic level of play therapy with children are presented, and the "resort" model, upon which successful play therapy is based, is discussed. (MJB)

A sandplay technique is explained to have helped learning and reading disabled students get in touch with their feelings as well as to have improved their reading skills. (CL)

The Mourning Child Preschool grief support curriculum is intended for use with preschool children who have experienced the death of someone special to them. It is designed for use by professionals who work in schools, hospitals, hospices, mental health agencies, or any setting that serves bereaved children. The curriculum contains lesson plans for…

The most critical problem for deaf children is the lack of communication and its effect on social development. Play and physical education activities provide deaf children with opportunities for socialization and motor growth. Sixteen movement activities are offered that can be implemented in homogeneous or mainstreaming situations. (JN)

Storytelling with persona dolls (dolls that are given names, family histories, and other traits by teachers) is a powerful tool for teaching classroom and social skills, giving children words for and tools to manage their feelings, developing problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills, expanding children's comfort with difference, undoing…

The primary purpose of this master's thesis is to describe some therapeutic uses of dramatic play with the mildly aggressive preschool child. The child for whom the suggested play interventions are considered appropriate is characterized by sociality and attachment to both peers and adults, and is not chronically aggressive. After the first…

Discusses young children's emotional responses during medical examinations and procedures, developmental changes in how they conceptualize illness causation, and the role of play to reduce stress. Describes how teachers can best facilitate structured dramatic medical play therapeutically. (KB)

Ways in which early childhood educators can help children prepare for medical events through play are suggested in this pamphlet. Three qualities are seen as essential to a valuable hospital/medical play experience: (1) a focus on the child's current medical interests and experiences, (2) inclusion of information about a child's forthcoming or…

Describes the use of small sandboxes with toy figures as an activity that helps children cope with the emotional upheaval in their lives. (HTH)