New design concepts for creative play structures provide challenging experiences for children, yet are still safe enough to be acceptable. Many of these creative playgrounds are made possible by parent and community volunteers. (Author/MLF)

The study with 20 children (ages 3 to 8) found that children who had been sexually abused demonstrated significantly more sexual behavior than non-abused children when playing with anatomically correct dolls. (Author/DB)

Describes the development of a model playground by the Adams County, Colorado, Head Start Program, giving particular attention to local contributions, physical features of equipment and playground, and ways children use the playground for motor, dramatic, social, and constructive play. (RH)

A brief positive practice overcorrection procedure was effective in reducing inappropriate social behavior and increasing spontaneous toy play in a multiply disabled child. (Author/CL)

Four parents trained in specific methods for teaching social interaction skills to their mentally retarded and nondisabled children increased their prompting and praising techniques. These changes were accompanied by increases in the amount and duration of their children's play interactions. (CL)

Effects of different play materials on topic performance of 24 children (four- to five-year olds) were examined. Children were divided into 12 dyads and videotaped in three counterbalanced play situations: Legos, minature hospital set, and hospital props. Certain play situations were effective in eliciting particular types of topics. (Author/CL)

An assessment procedure based on M. Lowenfeld' World Technique was used to study pretend play in 25 mildly retarded children (5-7 years old) and 20 non-handicapped children (4-5 years old). Five descriptive levels suggestive of a progression were found: developmental manupulative nonsymbolic play; symbolic play; play with a scene; play with a…

A group of six autistic, brain damaged, and severely disturbed young people (over 14-years old) were encouraged to become less dependent on the teacher by withdrawing all direction in a free play situation. Teaching strategies were redirected toward enhancing independence. (CL)

Temporal stability of play behavior and its consistency among toys differing in complexity was assessed by observing 40 eight-month-old infants. The relationship of stability of play to temperament was examined. Findings support the idea that behavioral consistency in infancy is similar to that reported for older children. (RH)

The Spolin Theater Games consist of more than 200 games and exercises to encourage spontaneity, creativity, and interpersonal communication in group settings. This article describes the use of Spolin games in four classes of six- to nine-year-old educationally handicapped children and looks at changes that occurred, particularly in the way…

Handicapped children's responses to toys vary as a function of sensory and response limitations, cognitive delays, and the quality of experiences provided. Each developmental difficulty generates special developmental needs that must be recognized and considered. The article focuses on criteria for selecting, adapting, and using toys for each…

Results of observations indicated that 15 gifted preschoolers demonstrated higher degrees of physical, social, and cognitive play styles, but were equivalent to the nongifted group in sense of humor and manifest joy. Significant sex differences were also obtained, with boys demonstrating more physical exuberance, active play patterns, teasing and…

In Stillwater, Oklahoma, the local educational toy lending library developed a computerized series of play activities to get parents of disabled young children involved in their child's stimulation. (CL)

Utilizes a contextual play technique to gain insight into fears and worries of preschool children. Examines sex differences and differences relating to the questioning procedure. (NH)

The study investigated the relationship of early language development and symbolic play behaviors in 20 normal and 20 trainable mentally retarded children. Symbolic play which involves the use of one object to represent another was found to be a strong correlate of early language development. (Author/CL)