Describes development and use of creative drama with 30 children over a six month period. Over time, the dramas evolved through four stages: chaos, control and chaos; control; and flexibility. Certain developmental and psychological themes also emerged: narcissism, exhibitionism, activity, orality, dominance, morality, social themes, comedy and…

Discusses the characteristics of role playing, its advantages and disadvantages, methodology, and organization. A sample play, "Teenage Trouble," is presented. Information is given as to where material for plays can be found. (IFS/WGA)

Results indicated that the clock-light cueing device is an effective instrument in helping to reduce the time spent in disruptive behavior in the classroom. Decreasing the time spent in undesirable behaviors in a classroom does not necessarily decrease the frequency of these behaviors. (Author)

A parent-centered model for treating emotionally disturbed children is discussed, including limitations of child-centered approaches, the model's assumptions, the steps involved in teaching parents how to understand their child's misbehavior and positively participate in their child's therapy, and the use of play therapy when necessary. (JDD)

Presents a case study using sand therapy to help an eight-year-old boy cope with the death of his father. Notes that as a therapeutic play medium, sand play serves two main functions: as a diagnostic tool and as a means of therapeutic intervention. (ABB)

Reviews the literature on various aspects of what young children know about school. Topics include: (1) children's perceptions of teachers and school curriculum and activities; (2) development of children's distinctions between work and play; and (3) children's construction and interpretation of the school context. (BB)

Notes several benefits that early childhood activities with plants can provide. Contains suggestions on projects involving children and narcissus bulbs, birdseed gardens, and amaryllis. Includes several extentions to the activities which deal with art and dramatics. (TW)

Offers an organizational perspective designed to illuminate processes of symbolic development in both normal and abnormal populations. Focuses on the symbolic system of Down Syndrome children. Data support the claim that the symbolic system of these children is intact. (RWB)

Describes procedures found to be effective for eliciting children's creative dramatic play in the classroom. A second-grade classroom scenario provides an example of the way key components of play training techniques can be implemented by the teacher and indicates the decision-making processes to be addressed.

Reviews literature about play to examine the use of language to facilitate play, play with language as an object, and egocentric speech in play situations. Finds a definite link between language and play. (Author/AS)

Describes experiments in which microcomputers were placed in large and small preschool classrooms to examine which free-play activities were and were not affected by microcomputer's presence, sex differences in microcomputer preference and use, social interactions occurring around microcomputers, and whether these interactions differ in frequence…

Studies the frequency with which preschool children used 11 play centers, engaged in social and nonsocial activities in each play center, and interacted positively and negatively with each other. (HOD)

Examines relationships among gender constancy, preferences for same- or opposite-sex playmates, and sex-typed activities in preschool children. Findings suggest that, at least for females, gender concepts may have an organizing role in sex-role development by motivating children to seek social contexts in which to acquire and practice…

The development of sociometric status in children's peer groups over time was observed among 48 unacquainted second-grade boys brought together in play groups of eight boys each. Observers recorded free-play interaction behaviors of each boy by using a complex event-recording system and video cameras. (Author/RH)

Teachers should keep in mind four concepts when developing the physical education curriculum: (1) play as a method of fostering creativity; (2) ethical behavior in sports; (3) learning/teaching strategies; and (4) the values of freedom. (DF)