Raises questions about the nature of children's play in relation to their classroom learning and writing. Argues that play is critical to a more complex and representative understanding of how children can and do learn. (JOW)

Discusses connections between play and reading at the primary level. Notes that sociodramatic play has the clearest link to reading because it involves imagination and manipulation of time and reality. Argues that play facilitates reading when it involves both the manipulation of symbols and acts of reading and writing. (MM)

Three experiments examined 24- though 39-month-olds' understanding of pretend episodes, such as a puppet pouring pretend milk into a container and then tipping it over a toy animal. The children understood the linkage between the two actions and realized that the toy animal would become "wet." (MDM)

Describes the "Power Game," which has only one rule: the object is to win, and the game is over when one player speaks or touches the other. Explains the structure and progression of the game in rounds. States that the game provides a launching point for a discussion of power, winning and losing, and listening clearly. (PA)

Hawaii's Young Playwrights Workshop is a place for students willing to explore new worlds with discipline, self-reliance, and creativity. In the Workshop, students discover their own way of creating plays. The article explains how the teacher encourages students to be creative, letting go of preconceived ideas about writing. (SM)

Reviews research findings about the nature and development of typical sibling relationships. Discusses two important themes, the role of children's social cognition skills, and the role of the demands of the relationship. Addresses two questions: (1) the prevalence and features of sibling rivalry and conflict; and (2) the characteristics of…

Provides creative ways child caregivers can use large and small cardboard boxes to create play and learning environments for young children. (HTH)

Discusses racism, sexism, and sexual orientation through an analysis of the play "M. Butterfly." Focusing on the French diplomat, Gallimard, the essay discusses sexual orientation, explores Gallimard's racist investments in his orientalized vision of Song, and discusses his attempt to explain his love affair as heterosexual love gone…

Presents review and critique of play therapy literature related to abused and neglected children. Discusses seven characteristic play behaviors and two common play themes of maltreated children. Offers recommendations for future research. Includes 50 citations. (Author/CRR)

This questionnaire offers a form that can be used for the evaluation of the role of adults in children's play. The form focuses on adult support of the child's point of view, choice of activities and materials, and psychosocial needs. (SH)

Discusses purposes and effectiveness of indoor climbing structures and offers general safety guidelines. Provides a guide to products from 14 companies. The guide describes the equipment, age and weight range, guarantees, price range, and shipping. Addresses, telephone, and FAX numbers of each company are listed. (SH)

Seven experiments tested 18- to 36-month-old children's understanding of adult pretense. Results indicated that children understood when adults referred to make-believe substances or made make-believe substitutions; appropriately directed their pretend actions; understood the causal consequences of imaginary actions; produced suitable remedial…

Assessed the interactions of preschooler dyads during two play sessions one year apart. Found that dyads' scores on measures of positive social orientation, cohesiveness, and control were correlated across time and that coordinated play and positive social orientation were more salient at time two than time one. (BC)

Reviews the role of social interaction in literacy knowledge construction and the importance of the enrichment of the classroom environment in promoting literacy interactions. Describes the information about writing embedded in a group of kindergartners' interactions during play. (RS)

The relation of compliance to comprehension in toddlers of 12-18 months was studied. Requests were made to children in naturalistic play situations, and children's responses were coded. Significant shifts in the categories of compliance-comprehension and noncompliance-noncomprehension were found. (BC)