Relates a kindergarten teacher's classroom experience where play is not considered a primary medium for learning. Describes a strategy used to establish play, specifically investigative play, as a legitimate activity in the classroom. Discusses issues associated with play-based curriculum and how, with the renewed interest in science education, it…

Proposes a theoretical sequence of cognitive developments as influencing representational play and language in the second year of life. Structural and temporal links between play and language indicate influence of developing mental representation, but variation in timing of developments points to influence of variables. (ET)

Studied frequency and style of help-seeking in 18- and 24-month olds observed at free play and problem-solving. Found that younger toddlers sought less help than older toddlers; both groups sought more help during problem solving than in free play. Older toddlers increased vocal help-seeking whereas younger toddlers sought help through vocal and…

Examines the types of games played in the classroom and their competitive nature, discussing the effect of such games on children. Emphasizes the need to choose or develop games that discourage competition, encourage cooperation, and build self-esteem in children. Suggests ideas for innovative activities. (BAC)

Discusses the meaning of scoring in children's games. Fourth graders suggest that feeling good in the gym results from scoring or helping to win, even when nobody keeps score. The article explores the meaning of scoring using the text, "Meaning in Movement, Sport and Physical Education," noting implications for teachers. (SM)

Describes study in which three children with autism were trained to initiate social interactions with normally developing peers. The findings offer evidence that children with autism can learn to initiate and maintain a social interaction with their peers and that these skills will generalize to novel settings and people. (LKS)

Examines the differences between imagination, creativity, and fantasy, and presents the relationship of imagination to creativity. Suggests that the basic distinction between imagination and fantasy is that while imagination is related to reality, fantasy is related to unreality. The link between imagination and creativity lies in the opportunity…

Examines influences of peer relations on the development of social and cognitive competence. Discusses implications of differences in boys' and girls' play styles for cognitive skills and the development of intimacy. Notes that gender segregation is initiated and maintained within the peer group. (BAC)

Shortcomings in A. M. Leslie's nondevelopmental, nonsocial, and restrictively cognitive account of young children's "theory of mind" and capacity to pretend are noted, and the alternative thesis that a young child's metarepresentational capacity arises from, rather than forms the basis of, an understanding that humans have mental states…

Using play learning and real-world problem solving, an alternative Arizona program is cultivating confidence and love of learning in bilingual first-graders. Children learn by using their own language (Spanish), learning styles, and thought processes. Besides problem-solving, the "cube train" teaches estimation, number relationships,…

Reviews the rationale for both nondirective and focused approaches to play therapy, and discusses why nondirective therapy alone may be ineffective in treating sexually abused and abuse-reactive children. A prescriptive approach is proposed that combines the rapport-building component of nondirective play therapy with focused techniques. (JPS)

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

The importance of including humor and playfulness in the classroom is emphasized. Children in such classrooms learn quickly, retain more, and have fewer problems than other children. (DG)

Examines how kindergarten children's concepts of work and play affect their classification of school activities. Finds that children classify the activities as either play or work on the basis of absence of the teacher, location of activity, level of noise permitted, and the materials used. (RS)

Adult play develops curiosity and self-determination, builds knowledge of self and social relationships, builds self-esteem and a sense of personal power, develops powers of concentration, provides foundations for success and competence, and helps one value differences. (AC)