The effectiveness of undergraduate education majors as play therapists was investigated by comparing measures of therapeutic outcome for 48 emotionally disturbed boys assigned to three treatment conditions and a no treatment control condition. Each treatment condition consisted of 12 play interviews conducted by experienced therapists, students…

Explores the use of drama as a therapeutic tool at various hospitals and records specific therapy groups dialogues. Available from: The Drama Review, 51 West 4th Street, Room 300, New York, N.Y. 10012. Subscription Rates: $12.50 per year. (MH)

A partial transcript of a radio interview with Eda LeShan concerning her perceptions of the current state of children's education and how it might be improved. (BRT)

The relation of imaginative play to psycholinguistic development was investigated in a sample of disadvantaged preschool children. The children were assigned to high and low play groups based on their level of play organization. The high play group engaged in more task-relevant speech during play than did the low play group. (Author)

The nature of early games and how they might assist the infant in language acquisition were explored in a longitudinal study of two mother-infant dyads, using video-recordings of their free play. The analysis of appearance and disappearance games was particularly revealing. (EJS)

Describes how the students of physics and drama have cooperated in an interdisciplinary project to produce a play, "The Physicists," in a high school. The purpose of the play is to promote artistic and analytical thinking. (GA)

Because they are such effective teaching resources, puppets are an economical and exciting resource for increasing numbers of teachers involved in courses on death education. Puppets help students overcome emotional problems, and, since death is a traumatic area to explore, they provide opportunities to work through social situations not yet…

This study reveals significant differences in the organization of play between the sexes. The primary difference concerns the complexity of the social setting in which play occurs. (Author/AM)

While the elements of enjoyment, creativity, and pleasure are present in the learning process, education is basically work, and despite its joyful aspects, it is sometimes drudgery. (JD)

Excerpts from observational diaries kept by education students acting as anthropologists studying the conceptual tools of young children at home and in school. Notes describe children's rules for activities and games; individual projects; and reactions to social studies concepts presented from an "adultcentric" point of view. (AV)

Gives reasons why playtime is important to children's basic skills development. (RL)

Cites studies and three illustrative cases showing benefits to a reading program which can be derived from creative dramatics activities. Discusses materials and supplies, physical arrangement and management techniques for a creative dramatics learning center. (BR)

Creating and organizing their own games helps children to understand and appreciate the importance of cooperation, team play, and adherence to game rules. (JD)

The relation of amount of adult-directed activity to children's social, play, and task behaviors was examined for 141 children in 13 Head Start classes. (JMB)