Subjects were trained in three targeted skills. Game training produced large and consistent gains in all target responses however, no generalization was recorded in covert assessments. Subsequently, an in-situ training procedure consisting of intermittent verbal prompts and reinforcement was used, which significantly increased use of skills in all…

An analysis of how mothers direct attention and play with their 18-month-old children found mothers of the four children with blindness were not more directive than mothers of the four sighted children, but they made some use of directives that were particular to the needs of young children with blindness. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Presents a bibliography of 27 print references and 10 website resources on young children's play. Includes the following resources available through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): 27 articles in the "Young Children" journal, 7 books, and 4 brochures. (KB)

A 2-year ethnographic study focused on social behaviors and gender differences among preschoolers engaging in science activities. Findings indicated that boys exhibited curiosity, spontaneity, extensive prior knowledge about nature, and tended toward aggressive, competitive, and sometimes violent behavior. Girls displayed a submissive countenance,…

This article summarizes proposed benefits of children's play and critically reviews the empirical evidence which supports or refutes the explanatory model. It concludes with suggestions for future research to explicate more fully the developmental benefits of play for the child. (JD)

Evaluation of maternal responsiveness of 109 preschoolers with disabilities (Down Syndrome, neurological impairment, and developmental delay) in free play situations found that parental age, mother's support, and child responsiveness contributed to maternal responsiveness. (Author/DB)

Young children are being fast tracked at early age because of pressures from parents, schools, society, and media. One result is troubled teenagers who experience stress of these pressures without having adult means to cope with them. Time spent with parents and in play activities are activities that help children to gain security, happiness, and…

Focuses on the use of children's literature in the treatment of child abuse, a method referred to as bibliotherapy. Describes children's books that can be used in this approach and presents suggestions for follow-up activities. (NH)

Reviews the literature concerning play theories. Classifies play theories into three categories: classical theories, early twentieth century theories, and recent theories. Theories discussed include psychoanalytic, cognitive development, arousal, communication, and adaptive plasticity. (RJC)

This study of 16 pairs of older nonhandicapped siblings and same-sex younger mentally retarded siblings found that the amount of sibling interaction was related to the contexts of toy play, snacking, or television-viewing. Compared to nonhandicapped sibling pairs, older siblings of mentally retarded children more frequently assumed teacher,…

Offers suggestions for promoting dramatic play as a medium for literacy development by concentrating on three factors: (1) the settings in which play occurs; (2) the amount of time allocated for play activities; and (3) the type of teacher involvement in play episodes. (MG)

Assessed cognitive styles of 300 children aged 3-5 years and explored social factors in children's play based on their cognitive style. Field dependent children engaged more often in activities with others and with concrete objects, while field independent children were more involved in restructuring the environment. (RJC)

Observed 28 toddlers' reactions to an adult's programed play overtures. Coordinated responses and alternative overtures increased with age. Words were increasingly used to regulate activity between toddler and adult. (RJC)

Studied 40 parents and their children aged 18-23 months to determine whether parents encouraged involvement with sex-stereotyped toys or avoidance of cross-sex-stereotyped toys, and whether masculine and feminine toys led to different patterns of parent-child interactions. Children showed greater involvement with same-sex than with cross-sex toys.…

Investigates traditional circle games played in 203 public school kindergartens in 35 states. Results indicate that music/movement and racing games were the major game categories; the most common frequency and duration was three times per week for 20 minutes; and the purposes of the games were to have fun, and to foster social, physical motor, and…