Investigated the effects of preferred play partnership on the conversational competence of preschool children. In general, preferred partners appeared to use language more effectively while playing. (Author/RH)

This paper examines a specific educational game called "Popcorn Factory." First, it gives a detailed description of the game, then shifts the description into a critical hermeneutical framework, analyzing the deep structures at work in the "Popcorn Factory" according to the theories of Freud and Marcuse. (Author/SJL)

Reviews evidence for a developmental sequence in symbolic play and attempts to provide a theoretical rationale for predicting correspondences between symbolic play and early language. (Author/RH)

Examined the relation between the spontaneous occurrence in play of simple two-part action sequences and the frequency of these sequences and their components following modeling at 12, 15, and 19 months of age. Play following modeling was typically more advanced but only 19-month-old children generally were able to imitate complete sequences.…

Modeling and direct instruction were used to train children to cooperate rather than compete. Children in treatment conditions showed significantly more cooperation than did control groups after immediate assessment. Seven weeks later age but not treatment differences were observed in generalization of training. (Author/DB)

Obese women were treated in behavior modification programs for overeating. Behavior programs were accompanied by subliminal stimulation and by symbiotic and control messages. The symbiotic condition gave evidence of enhancing weight loss. This finding supports the proposition that subliminal stimulation of symbiotic fantasies can enhance the…

The effects of peer familiarity on social interactions were studied by observing pairs of preschool children who were either familiar or unfamiliar with each other in 50-minute free-play sessions. (CM)

The authors review developmental, educational, and social psychological perspectives and empirical research regarding childhood leisure and the structure of children's free time. (Author/DB)

This study examines the ways in which neighborhoods as physical environments affect children's play and play patterns. Four urban neighborhoods were examined for terrain, access to play space, social interaction, locus of play, safety, and mobility. It was found that children's play patterns are influenced by the environment they live in. (DS)

Since several investigators have found language and play development to be interrelated, free play classifications were constructed for the assessment of social participation, cognitive play, and nonplayful activities for both normally hearing and hearing impaired preschoolers. (Author)

Five articles on the young gifted child focus on identification, the application of child development principles, characteristics, the role of play in a differentiated curriculum, and appropriate books. (DB)

Teachers can provide opportunities within a school for the interaction of severely handicapped and nonhandicapped students at all educational levels through cooperative work projects, prearranged play sessions, and human differences training. (DB)

Three-dimensional random polygon objects ranging in complexity between four and 40 turns were presented to the Ss, and time spent in exploration and play was measured over three successive exposure-time blocks. (Author/DLS)

Suggests some inexpensive handmade games which can withstand repeated use by children at home or school. (MP)