Argues that there is no absolute standard for defining high-quality early childhood education and care and that current approaches to effective teaching/learning are of limited value in defining standards for effective early education. Explores from a Vygotskian perspective play as a format for children's activities, concluding that effective…

Examined effect of a year-long implementation of a classroom rule in kindergarten classrooms disallowing overt exclusion among classmates. Found that observations and teacher reports did not differ between the six target and four control classes. However, children in target classes reported that they liked each other significantly more at year…

A study examined the cognitive underpinnings of spontaneous and prompted pretend play in 28 children with autism (ages 2-3), 24 children with developmental disorders, and 26 controls (ages 1-3). Children with autism were significantly delayed on pretend play scores. They also had significant deficits in a theory of mind measure. (Contains…

This synthesis reviewed the findings of 13 intervention studies, published between 1975-1999, that examined the effects of manipulation of toys or group composition on social behaviors of children (ages 3-5) with disabilities. Positive outcomes were associated with children's playing with social toys and playgroups that included typical children.…

Investigated effects of older siblings on imitation by 12-, 15-, and 18-month-olds. Found that all age groups acquired one to two new behaviors per day through imitation. Older infants imitated more multi-step sequences and substituted more objects during reenactment than younger. Compared to infants without siblings, infants with siblings…

Lists tips to enhance toddler-adult relationships focusing on respectful interactions and a constructive environment. Emphasizes the following developmental needs and interests of toddlers: (1) supporting development; (2) planning the environment; (3) guidance for toddlers; (4) toddler play; (5) developmental milestones for toddlers; and (6) what…

Describes the kinds of literacy knowledge ("knowing in doing") preschool children may express during play. Provides evidence of literacy understanding, strategies, and skills as children negotiate routines, roles, and rules in play. Discusses how literacy in play differs from the literacy learning later demanded in school, and includes…

This article addresses the effects of disasters on elementary-age children and their needs for mental health. Suggests possible school-based interventions and provides a case study of a traumatized first-grader, demonstrating how child- centered play therapy can be used in school settings. (Contains 57 references.) (GCP)

Recounts a teacher's initiation into the process of documentation over several weeks as she joined toddlers on a "fishing trip." Draws on Piagetian and Vygotskian theories to understand and enhance children's play. Discusses how documentation is used to communicate and converse with children and offers teachers opportunities to…

Explored the simultaneous sequential transition patterns of preschoolers' social play within classroom settings. Found that the proportion of social-play states did not vary during play episodes even when accounting for type of activity center, gender, and SES. Found a reciprocal relationship between parallel-aware and other social-play states…

Fathers and mothers of firstborn infants completed parental responsibility surveys; recorded accessibility and direct interaction time in caregiving, play, and outings; and were videotaped in free-play with their infants at age 9 and 15 months. Fathers spent less time interacting with their infants than mothers and invested less time in…

Examined relation of maternal monitoring and play rules to sixth graders' friendship quality, social behavior, and depression. Found that monitoring was not related to supervision, peer, or restriction play rules. Girls with more monitoring had friendships with less conflict and higher positive qualities. Supervision rules related to boys'…

Effects of fenfluramine on autistic children, aged 7-16, were examined in double-blind testing with placebos. Serotonin levels, intelligence and behavior tests, videotaped free play data, and other tests were used for assessment. Serotonin decreased with administration of fenfluramine, and increased with reinstatement of placebo. No tests…

Asserts that reading and writing are governed by the same logic that dominates social relations. Suggests that, because women suffer disproportionately from the effects of male-dominated culture, they may also suffer disproportionately when participating in play or when being tested on literacy skills. Questions the view that play is…

Describes some boisterous physical games which might be useful in promoting learning, especially in elementary mathematics classes with the socially disadvantaged. Provides a discussion of Jerome Bruner's theory which undergirds such activities. Presents results of an experiment using these methods with 160 children. Finds the case for using play…