Discusses the importance of providing enough activity choices for young children during outdoor play. Defines simple, complex, and super play units. Describes the application of an equation for determining the number of available play spaces in a playground. (RJC)

The article responds to a criticism (EC 221 612) of a previous article by the authors (EC 212 323) and suggests the criticism is biased. They note the fallacy of value-free research, reject the allegation that their bias guided their research, and identify points of agreement and disagreement with the criticism. (DB)

Investigated the relation between the interaction style of 44 mothers and their 3-year-olds' competence on traditional cognitive tests and during play. Maternal directiveness and affective tone related especially to children's nonverbal cognition and play. (RJC)

Comparison of the social behaviors of intellectually gifted and typical three-to five-year-olds in a university laboratory school found no difference in the two groups on a social development scale, but found that gifted children exhibited cooperative play to a much greater extent. (MSE)

Participant observation was used to examine the social-communicative interactions of six preschool students with mild to severe handicaps, during free play and semistructured activities. Results revealed that each child displayed a consistent set of initiations; each child used augmentative strategies to continue interactions; and initiation…

Proposes several strategies for overcoming obstacles to an integrated methodology, and to student interests and learning, in teaching a foreign language dramatic literature course. The activities focus on both reading and writing of drama, characterization, and interpretation. (CB)

Two studies investigated the effects of group socialization procedures (teachers discussed friendship and praised child-child social responding) on the social behavior of preschool children. Results indicated that the procedures were a practical and effective method for improving young children's social interaction during both structured games and…

Studied children's grasp of make-believe transformations they had seen enacted. Children indicated the pretend outcome by choosing a picture depicting no change or a picture depicting the pretend change. Older children chose correctly, even with the addition of a picture of an irrelevant transformation, but younger children did not. Autistic…

Examines how children learn, particularly how they learn violent behavior, and discusses why and how one preschool limits children's aggressive superhero play. Describes how the school teaches cooperation and caring, and lists the benefits of limiting superhero play. (HTH)

Aggressive and cooperative behaviors of 70 preschool children were measured during game conditions and subsequent free-play periods. Cooperative behavior increased and aggression decreased during cooperative games and free play; conversely, competitive games were followed by increases in aggressive behavior and decreases in cooperative behavior.…

Relates a kindergarten teacher's classroom experience where play is not considered a primary medium for learning. Describes a strategy used to establish play, specifically investigative play, as a legitimate activity in the classroom. Discusses issues associated with play-based curriculum and how, with the renewed interest in science education, it…

Proposes a theoretical sequence of cognitive developments as influencing representational play and language in the second year of life. Structural and temporal links between play and language indicate influence of developing mental representation, but variation in timing of developments points to influence of variables. (ET)

Studied frequency and style of help-seeking in 18- and 24-month olds observed at free play and problem-solving. Found that younger toddlers sought less help than older toddlers; both groups sought more help during problem solving than in free play. Older toddlers increased vocal help-seeking whereas younger toddlers sought help through vocal and…

Examines the types of games played in the classroom and their competitive nature, discussing the effect of such games on children. Emphasizes the need to choose or develop games that discourage competition, encourage cooperation, and build self-esteem in children. Suggests ideas for innovative activities. (BAC)

Discusses the meaning of scoring in children's games. Fourth graders suggest that feeling good in the gym results from scoring or helping to win, even when nobody keeps score. The article explores the meaning of scoring using the text, "Meaning in Movement, Sport and Physical Education," noting implications for teachers. (SM)