Discusses the benefits that young children derive from dramatic play and how dramatic play is enhanced by prop boxes (boxes in which are stored objects related to various areas of children's dramatic play such as bakery, repair shop, grocery store, and fire station). Also discusses how teachers can obtain and use prop boxes. (BB)

Argues that the early childhood field should be renamed early childhood educare and that Vygotsky's sociocultural theory is a more appropriate theoretical framework for the field than Piaget's. Discusses the role of language, internalization of interpersonal processes, importance of intersubjectivity, and role of adult and peer tutors in…

Reviews three books (1) "Montessori Play and Learn: A Parents Guide to Purposeful Play from Two to Six" (Lesley Britton); (2) "Health and Safety in Child Care" (Susan S. Aronson); and (3) "The Schoolhome: Rethinking Schools for Changing Families" (Jane Roland Martin). (MDM)

Observed and analyzed the play of 60 U.S. and Mexican toddlers and their mothers. Found cultural differences in children's pretend play, the mutual involvement of mothers and children in pretend play, the behaviors mothers used to structure play, and mothers' value of children's play. (MM)

Using ethnographic methods and taking a sociocultural perspective, examined preschoolers' social competence. Focused on the interactions of two children who were members of a peer group and one who sought membership in the group but was rejected. Discusses the importance of the sociocultural perspective to understanding children's social…

Evaluated effects of mixed-age and same-age classrooms on dimensions of mastery during play for young children developing normally and for disabled children. Found that children's developmental maturation was related to the sophistication of their play mastery for children without disabilities in both settings and for children with disabilities in…

American education reflects a social belief that work and leisure are separate, yet public schools are expected to educate for both. The article discusses education and work, the emergence of clock time, functions of public education, the role of play in education, and public schools' roles in the year 2000. (SM)

A behavioral consultation approach was effectively used to reduce problem behaviors in 2 field studies with 3 students (ages 10-14) having severe or profound mental retardation and their teachers. Intervention involved extinction of inappropriate behaviors, reinforcement of appropriate play behaviors, and teaching verbal skills functionally…

Eighteen maltreated children were paired with nonmaltreated children (ages 3-7 years) for play sessions involving a single desirable object, resulting in generally successful negotiation and approximately equal sharing, though maltreated children appeared somewhat hesitant to engage their partners and were more responsive to partners' indication…

Mothers' interventions in object conflicts during play between toddler peers of the same age and sex were examined. Results showed that mothers frequently intervened. Mothers favored the other child in the conflict, except with older sons, and were inconsistent in endorsing rights of ownership or possession. (BC)

Discusses the many factors that can cause a child to be misdiagnosed with hypertension, as well as the kinds of activities that are appropriate for a child who has hypertension. (JD)

Argues that worksheets are limited teaching tools because they do not address preschoolers' developmental needs such as hands-on play. Presents characteristics of early learning that can be facilitated by play, which fosters children's social and language development, physical skills, and creative and critical thinking. Suggests that learning can…

A study examined effects of a tactile prompting device (the Gentle Reminder) as a prompt for a 9-year-old student with autism to make verbal initiations about play activities. Results indicate that the device serves as an effective, unobtrusive prompt for verbal initiations during play contexts and during cooperative learning activities.…

Investigated the effects of play on English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) children as part of a study on the use of play in upper elementary school children. Results found that play significantly facilitated communication and socialization while nurturing independence and self-esteem. The paper rationalizes the use of play, defines play, and…

Argues that children's toys and games contribute to representing and reinforcing dominant conceptions of appropriate social identities. Invites students to play a number of children's games in order to experience the "hidden agendas" concerning race, class, gender, and political socialization conveyed to them while they are playing. (DSK)