A large body of research documents the positive impact of sociodramatic play on children's language development. Through the social interaction that takes place during sociodramatic play, children develop the ability to express thoughts in a logical sequence, share ideas about events in which there is not shared context, and develop vocabulary.…

In order to influence motivation and children's creativity, some attractive methods were introduced into the classical contents of the usual program of material (Serbocroatian) language and literature and other subjects in the curriculum planned for the third grade. Work on a tale was carried out in an atmosphere of slightly transformed space in…

Urges the use of plays as a means of practicing English; however, the play should be chosen to suit the players. (LG)

Fingerplays are enjoyable and versatile additions to program activities and can provide an informal opportunity to practice manipulative and coordination skills. As an instructional supplement in a variety of content areas, this form of dramatic play fosters the development of intellectual and language skills. Caregivers of young children often…

An historical, philosophical, and methodological overview of the Dartmouth/Rassias model of foreign language instruction is presented. The model, first developed by John Rassias at Dartmouth College, is an intensive adaptation of the traditional audiolingual approach. Great use is made of dramatic techniques to motivate students and help them…

This study investigated the effect of play-like behavior on the learning of elementary arithmetic. Kindergarten children from one school were pretested on addition and subtraction of the numbers zero through five; and eight groups of five subjects were randomly selected from those scoring below the mean. These groups were then randomly assigned to…

Individual short stories are to encourage role playing are presented.

Preparational and situational cues are explained in terms of childrens dramatic responses to compassionate love. (JH)

Three important concepts, plot, dialogue, and characterization, which literature and theater share, can be clarified for children through improvisation. Discusses two improvisation exercises that emphasize these three literary devices through stories and poems related to the general themes of "people and places" and "nature's world". (Author/RK)

The importance of play in the development of healthy individuals is due to the fact that play is an excellent vehicle for the integration of emotion, thought, and action. (Author/MJB)

Presents a counseling playlet "The Search" designed to reflect the problems that occur when negative behavior is overemphasized and the positive is overlooked. Discussion questions are included. (Author)

This article addresses the less utilized, nontraditional techniques of experiential and exploratory theater as vehicles for promoting both cognitive and affective learning. It discusses puppets as provocateurs, evoking response through mime, improvisation, and exploratory theater and problem solving. (CT)

Reports a study which compared the play of nine four-year-old girls with baby dolls and with Barbie dolls. Nonfacilitative play behavior was observed much more frequently in the baby doll sessions than in the Barbie sessions. Suggests that Barbie dolls could be used as an alternative doll activity in preschool classrooms. (CB)

Suggests ways in which improvisational drama can be used to foster student involvement, self-awareness, and communication. (KS)