Discusses social and didactic dimensions of caregiver behaviors during children's play and changes in caregivers' behaviors as children develop. Compares children's solitary play to play with a caregiver. Addresses the relationship of individual differences in caregiver behaviors to child play, and the effects of parental behavior on children's…

Found that, in unstructured building sessions, kindergartners were more likely to observe, imitate, and consult their second- or third-grade siblings than their older peers. Older siblings were also more likely to provide additional explanations and positive feedback than older peers when instructing younger children. (MDM)

Addresses the issue of providing an area for smokers in a child care facility. Because of the increased risks of respiratory diseases associated with exposure to tobacco smoke, a smoking area is not recommended. A clarification is also included concerning a recipe for sanitized play sand. (PAM)

This study, involving 23 preschool-aged children in a day care center, found that the mean numbers of reported interpersonal conflicts decreased when a 30-minute play period was divided into 2 15-minute play periods, compared to conflict frequency during 30 minutes of a 60-minute play period. (Author/JDD)

A survey of 128 undergraduate female students indicated that 44% had experienced cross-gender sexual play as children, which was often seen as involving persuasion, manipulation, or coercion. A typology of six kinds of sexual play experiences was derived. Discussion focuses on the differentiation of childhood sexual abuse from play and gender…

Examines a hypothesis built on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, and Parten that children's play becomes increasingly intersubjective during preschool years. The results provide support for the hypothesis that social play of preschoolers becomes increasingly shared from 3-4.5 years of age. (Author/BB)

Six articles in this special section discuss toys in the child- care center and the importance of unstructured materials; early childhood professionals' remembrances of favorite toys; criteria for selecting toys; ways of making the most of basic play materials; a safety checklist; and ways of training teachers to understand what makes a toy good…

Reviews "Gender Play: Girls and Boys in School" (Barrie Thorne), which, using ethnological methods, analyzes children's gender differences in playground and classroom behavior. (ME)

Explores the beliefs of an elementary school teacher who consistently used drama in her classroom. Finds that the use of drama is contingent on the teacher's beliefs about the kinds of support provided within the school, about the value of drama, and about her own ability to structure effective drama experiences. (SR)

Compared the nature of conflict and its resolution during free-play among preschool children with and without disabilities. Results indicated conflict occurred relatively infrequently and was of short duration. Disabled children tended to have more object possession disputes than other disputes; nondisabled children had more disputes during…

Presents Jungian approach to school counseling which places emphasis on importance of positive therapeutic alliance in activating self-healing archetype embedded within children's psyches. Explains Jungian theory and counseling methods, then presents case study of 8-year-old third-grade boy and his 15 sessions of therapy. (NB)

Describes the use of a preschool Parents' Box, a set of activity kits for parents and children to use together, including books, puppets, puzzles, music and dance supplies, and art projects. Provides examples of the labels for the activities, each providing instructions and a suggested age level. Notes that parents and children responded…

Examined factors associated with young children's aggression. Observed 104 toddlers during free play with same-sex peer, with both mothers present. Found that early out-of-home care was not related to aggression. Boys were more aggressive than girls. Observed aggression and mother-reported externalizing problems were associated significantly with…

A study compared effects of continuous reinforcement (play) and alone conditions as controls during functional analyses for 66 individuals whose self-injurious behavior (SIB) was maintained by escape. SIB was lower during both control conditions than it was during the test (demand) condition. SIB was lowest during the alone condition. (Author/CR)

A study examined the effects of play-group composition (segregated or integrated) and category of play materials (functional, constructive, or dramatic) on cognitive level of play and language use of 24 preschool children with developmental disabilities. There were no effects for play-group composition, but category of play materials significantly…