Describes sand play as singular, emotional form of individualized expression of inter- and intrapsychic world of the child. Sees miniatures in sand providing bridge between counselor's observations and child. Describes method of sand play, delineates counselor's role and counseling process, discusses interpretation, and reviews stages in sand…

Observed rough-and-tumble play in young adolescent boys on the playground. Found that sociometrically defined average and rejected boys spent a greater portion of their time in rough play compared to popular boys and did so with children who were less dominant than they, suggesting that some children exploit play bouts for their own…

Describes the way one teacher utilizes a variety of activities by which the power of language is analyzed and fostered among students of English. Describes methods for engaging students in language play, specifically through the use of puns. (HB)

Examined the rough-and-tumble play and gender of preferred playmates in three- to eight-year olds with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)--hypothesized to masculinize behaviors that show sex differences--and in unaffected three- to eight-year-old relatives. Found that CAH girls did not exhibit increased levels of masculine behavior when compared…

Examined effects of a reduced-scale play environment on the temporal aspects of complex play behavior. Children playing with playdough in a 7 x 5 x 5-foot structure began complex play more quickly, played in longer segments, and spent slightly more time in complex play than when in full-size conditions, suggesting that scale-reduced environments…

Eighty infants, toddlers, and preschoolers were observed before, during, and after separations from their mothers. Results suggested that there were no negative cumulative effects of repeated separations. The children seemed to adapt to repeated separations following the stressful experience with their first separation. (GLR)

Thirty-two preschoolers were observed while they played with realistic play props and nonrealistic play materials in an effort to determine whether realism of play objects was related to overall symbolic object transformation. Boys of all ages and girls under age five demonstrated greater symbolic activity with realistic play props. (SH)

This study of 136 children (aged 2 to 10 years) found that children referred for medical evaluation of sexual abuse will use sexually explicit behavior to demonstrate what has happened to them with nonanatomical dolls as frequently as when they are interviewed with anatomically detailed ones. (Author/DB)

Looks at the importance of valuing children's play for its contributions to writing skills. Shares the insights a teacher derives from observing children in situations where they seem to be "only playing." Reminds readers of the crucial connection between assessment and teaching that should be maintained. (MG)

Examines evidence relating to factors that affect the quality and maturity of children's play and discusses three resources parents can readily use to enrich play: adult involvement, materials, and time. Explains parent roles of play initiator, coplayer, and play facilitator. Offers guidelines for the selection of toys and playthings and for…

Children's ability to remember and report past mental states was examined. Four-year olds were able to report all past mental states. Three-year olds reported past pretenses, images, and perceptions well; desires and intentions with moderate difficulty; and beliefs with great difficulty. (BC)

Outlines basic considerations about playground safety and accessibility. Proposes playgrounds to be constructed for children in inner-city neighborhoods that would be carefully supervised, be easily accessible to the community, and provide children with a range of activities and experiences. (MLF)

Examines the broad and subtle effects of television watching on children and their families. Discusses the role of television in family life; the effects of television on children's development, behavior, attitudes, and values; children's understanding of messages conveyed by television; the relationship of television and play; and strategies for…

Presents Adlerian play therapy as workable tool for school counselors. Contends that school counselors can use Adlerian therapy to build relationships with children; explore how children view themselves, others, and the world; help children understand how they gain significance in their families and school; and help children explore new ways of…

Three studies examined preschoolers' use of desires to solve theory of mind problems. Findings indicated that even young children could correctly attribute a false belief to an agent when that belief was about the status of a pretense. Subjects found it easier to attribute a false belief when the desires of the agent were eliminated. (Author/KB)