This paper discusses characteristics of converged play for early childhood education. The characteristics were derived from a four-year study of teachers' interpretation and use of 'web-mapping' as an explicit conceptual tool, designed to mediate teaching practices and learning outcomes according to a definition of pedagogy as the relationship…

This article introduces StoryTech, a smart storytelling toy that offers children a mixed reality environment in which to tell imaginative stories. During usability testing, an empirical study was carried out with 90 child participants. The findings indicated that StoryTech creates a rich storytelling experience, especially for ages five and six.

The study compared effects of toy play and computer activity on vocalization and social play in dyads consisting of a disabled preschooler and nondisabled peer. Computer activity was as effective or slightly more effective than toy play in stimulating vocalizations and social play. (Author/DB)

Examines the central historical and contemporary role of blocks and construction toys in early childhood education. Describes how commercially produced blocks were conceptualized as a surface for displaying symbols, as pure form, or as a way to transmit a cultural heritage of architectural styles. Discusses how blocks were used in early…

This guide to playing with switches for parents and early intervention personnel was developed by the "Let's Play! Project," a 3-year federally supported project that worked to promote play in infants and toddlers with disabilities through the use of assistive technology. Switches are used with electronic toys to help young children…

This issue of the "Early Childhood Bulletin" explains the developmental and learning implications of play for very young children and outlines ways in which assistive technology can open doors to play for children with disabilities. The importance of incorporating assistive technology into a child's early intervention program through the…