The effects of three treatments on third- and fourth-grade socially isolated children were compared. The treatments were: (1) playing games with peers accompanied by adult coaching in social skills relative to friendship making, (2) playing games with peers, and (3) playing solitary games in the presence of peers. (Author/JMB)

"How can the children learn," parents ask, "when they are having so much fun? How can they learn when all they do is play?" Examines the work of educational theorists in answering such questions. (Author/RK)

A hypothesized developmental sequence of agent use in pretending was tested in 36 infants between 14 and 24 months of age and was compared with the development of object permanence. (JMB)

A study of the effects on social behavior of alternate contingency systems in the physical play of six five-year-olds indicated that the frequency of occurrence of a target behavior can be increased, even when both target and ontarget behaviors are reinforced, if the reinforcement of the target behavior is more powerful. (Author/CB)

Identifies environmental variables related to the occurrence of possession disputes in preschool classrooms. Shows that the function and distribution of materials and the accessibility of play space are associated with greater and lesser frequency of possession disputes. (Author/HOD)

A study of 16 autistic children (mean age 54.5 months) found functional and symbolic play skills associated with language ability and certain nonverbal skills (such as the ability to use gestures to coordinate attention between social partners) also correlated with language ability, but not with play variables. (Author/DB)

Young children's own perceptions of their preference for television viewing relative to other developmentally appropriate activities were studied through means of a questionnaire. The respondents rated television viewing as a less attractive activity than playing outside, playing with play dough, and building with sand, but few preferred story…

In this study, in which triads of children were filmed while they played with a toy, the relation between (1) preschoolers' emotional status and (2) their performance and receipt of prosocial behaviors was examined. (PCB)

Reviews the problems of classifying gaming techniques and suggests a heuristic approach as one solution. Definitions of simulation, models, role, and game and play are discussed to help develop a classification based on a technique called gaming simulation. (Author/LRW)

Developmental differences in the organization and complexity of dyadic play among 12 children of 4 1/2 years and 12 children of 3 years were investigated. While findings indicated no age differences in the organization of play, developmental and sex differences in the complexity of play were found. (RH)

Examined developmental changes in the influence of social goals on cooperative and competitive behavior in children between six and 13 years who played a game with a peer. Tendencies to engage in cooperative and combative moves and to use attentional words varied interactively with age, sex, order of instructions, instructions, and trials. (SKC)

Describes a day at the Bennett Park Montessori School in Buffalo, New York. Interviews the school's director and one of the teachers. Discusses Maria Montessori's ideas and their application at Bennett Park. (BJV)

The symbolic play and social participation of six language-impaired (mean age 6:9) and eight normal language-learning children (mean age 2:9) were compared. Language impaired subjects demonstrated significant deficits in symbolic, adaptive, and integrative play behaviors in comparison with the linguistically equivalent normal subjects. (Author/DB)

Describes the psychological importance of toys to children. Analyzes adult attitudes toward toys and explores the toy marketing techniques used on television commercials. Concludes by listing 6 ways in which toys may be used as a part of a social studies program. (JDH)