Describes a play-therapy group for sexually abused children in a rural California area. The focus of the group therapy was to restore the children's self-esteem. Services were part of an overall treatment program for families. (Author/DB)

Describes the use of a game, Grand Prix Wagon Racing, to prompt speaking in the foreign language and to provide visibility among parents and administrators of the foreign language program. (PMJ)

Presents an overview of developmentally appropriate practices for preschool classrooms. Discusses the role of the teacher, and emphasizes the use of age-appropriate schedules, space, group and individual activities, music and movement, as well as interest-based curricula. (MOK)

After arguing that there are substantial advantages to incorporating student play as a learning strategy in educational reform, the paper defines play, notes common misconceptions about play, examines reasons why children play, describes types of play, and looks at the function, outcome, and benefits of play. (SM)

Proposes a narrative approach to moral experience through dramatic play and writing. Argues this approach works with multiple dimensions in student lives and gives them chances to benefit from their moral experiences. Bases this approach to moral education on action research conducted in Quebec (Canada) and Belgium secondary moral education…

Describes three types of functional assessment of young children with special needs: play-based, family interviews, and the evaluation of multiple intelligences. Claims that all three types are useful for planning developmentally appropriate interventions and are positive because the emphasis is on the children's and their families' strengths…

Studied relationship of temperament and same-sex peer interaction with gender differences in adjustment. Found that highly arousable boys who played with same-sex peers had increased problem behaviors. Arousable girls who played with other girls were relatively unlikely to show problem behaviors. The arousability and same-sex peer interaction…

Provides a theory- and research-based argument for the value of play in literacy instruction in the primary grades and offers examples of the ways teachers can create more playful phonics, read aloud, and expository writing experiences. Urges teachers to become well-versed in the values of play and be willing to educate administrators and parents…

Maslow's (1971) theory of primary creativeness is used as the basis for a self-actualization model of education. Examples of how to use the model in creative homeschooling are provided. Key elements include digressive and immersion learning, self-directed learning, and the integration of work and play. Teaching suggestions are provided. (Contains…

The play and language behavior of mothers with (n=49) and without (n=49) specific reading disabilities was investigated during play with their 14-month-old children. Typically reading mothers produced significantly more symbolic play and language in play interactions with their children than did the mothers with reading disabilities. (Contains…

A study involving 17 Belgian children with hearing impairments and 33 parents, 10 with deafness, found that parents with deafness differed significantly from hearing parents in the use of a visual communication style adapted to the developmental communication needs and abilities related to the 18- to 24-month age period. (Contains references.)…

Explored teachers' use of symbolic play as a medium for early literacy development and the ways in which teachers facilitate early literacy development by functioning as participants in young children's spontaneous symbolic play. Results showed that teachers demonstrated extending and redirecting interaction styles to different degrees. (BB)

Reports effects of three different types of high and low quality child care in Canada: licensed and unlicensed family day care, and licensed center care. Examines the relationship among preschool environments, family background, and children's development. Suggests that although all three variables are significant, family background may be the…

Discusses the role of computers with young children and suggests that effective use should be based on an understanding of how children learn. Topics discussed include curriculum goals; criteria to consider when buying computers; teacher training; software selection; environmental considerations; and criteria for integrating computers into early…

This study used microethnographic techniques to analyze the communication strategies used by a hearing-impaired preschool child to access social interactions. Strategies tended to be similar to those of his peer subgroup, though nonverbal strategies prevailed. Teachers promoted the child's verbal request "Can I play," but it was unsuccessful in…