The relationships between egocentrism and certain socialization variables were examined for a sample of first through fifth grade rural children. The most significant results were the high correlations of egocentrism scores, sociometric scores, and teachers' ratings of popularity with observed playground behavior. (Author/JKS)

The importance of fostering and encouraging a child's natural sense of play is pointed out as a means of helping individual growth toward future happiness and positive attitudes in later life. (JD)

Children find great joy during this season playing with new toys. And more and more often parents consult with teachers about toy buying. Here's a guide to help you answer questions. (Editor)

Two experiments explore the possibility of applying the theory of infor mation integration to study playgroup attractiveness. Subjects are six- and seven-year-old children. (CM)

Reports a study conducted to determine whether several key concepts related to child development could be extended to existing theory and research concerning comprehension of television by kindergartners and early primary school children. Results indicate that children's indivisual differences partially explain amount and kind of social learning,…

Three important concepts, plot, dialogue, and characterization, which literature and theater share, can be clarified for children through improvisation. Discusses two improvisation exercises that emphasize these three literary devices through stories and poems related to the general themes of "people and places" and "nature's world". (Author/RK)

Twenty 18-month-olds were observed with their mothers and 20 with their fathers in laboratory free-play, departure, and separation situations. Findings were analyzed in terms of the differential roles of mothers and fathers, the development of sex differences, and determinants of separation distress. (JMB)

Reviews the theories of Piaget, Smilansky, Sutton-Smith, Vygotsky, and others on the role of play in child development. (SB)

Reviews two new curriculum materials kits, including the Wide World of Energy and the Playmobil System. (SL)

The importance of play in the development of healthy individuals is due to the fact that play is an excellent vehicle for the integration of emotion, thought, and action. (Author/MJB)

Presents a counseling playlet "The Search" designed to reflect the problems that occur when negative behavior is overemphasized and the positive is overlooked. Discussion questions are included. (Author)

Leisure counseling focuses on identifying and removing blocks to play behavior.

The demand for knowledge of the educational issues related to services to the young child is increasing. Attempts to identify and describe four areas in which knowledge is available to the early childhood educator and lists some sources of further information on the subject. (Author/RK)

In a study of play activities, 60 middle-class children ages 2.8-5.8 were tested on six object substitution tasks. Three dealt with puzzle games and three with pretence games. Results confirm Sliosberg's original contention that pre-school children discriminate between pretence and realistic games. (Editor/RK)

Reviews five major developments in play therapy: psychoanalysis, release therapy, relationship therapy, nondirective therapy, and play therapy in school settings. Suggests ways school counselors can use play therapy. Describes play therapy facilities, location selection, and play materials. Lists objectives of play therapy and how teachers can aid…