Episodes of children's crying and children's and teachers' responses to crying were observed in natural preschool settings using an event-sampling technique. Narrative descriptions of the episodes were coded as to cause of crying, teacher response, peer response, and context. (Author/NH)

Reports on an experiment that examined the independent effects of television content (violence) and television formal features (action) on preschool boys' attention to programs and their postviewing social behavior. Shows rapid character action facilitated visual attention to the programs and that television action level had no systematic effects…

Acknowledges the value in a reciprocal interaction of work and play in the writing center. Discusses some pedagogic and academic attitudes associated with play and observes the historical development of the writing center as a place for spontaneity and playfulness within the university. (HTH)

The relationship between interactive play and the frequency of related responding to comments was investigated within the dyadic interactions between a language impaired 4-year-old and 4 normal language users. While the frequency of related responses was variable for the subject, the frequencies of related responses of normal children were…

Discusses the concept of playful gaming (an idea not expressed fully by either term alone) and uses it as an analytical tool to study the playfulness of games in the context of several social phenomena; i.e., social change, socialization, utopian systems, and educational gaming. An extensive reference list is provided. (MBR)

In a longitudinal study, infants 6 to 18 months of age were observed in their homes playing with their mothers and with peers to determine how they coordinated attention to people and objects. Person engagement declined with age, while coordinated joint engagement increased; both passive and coordinated joint engagement were much more likely when…

Describes the adult's primary responsibility in facilitating toddler play as being a supportive participant. Includes guidelines for supporting play and planning play activities. (AS)

Discusses the significance of dramatic form in fostering children's cognitive and affective development. Examines the work of John Dewey, Susanne Langer, Nelson Goodman, Gavin Bolton, and Robert Witkin. (PD)

The results of an investigation to determine the effect of the Children's Developmental Play Program on behavioral and neuromotor functioning of developmentally disabled children indicates that it serves as a valuable resource to the child, community, and inservice teachers. This study observed risk-taking behaviors, self-concept, and motor skills…

A total of 24 middle class and 16 lower class preschoolers were observed during free play period on 30 consecutive school days. The behaviors of the children were coded by combining the social play categories of Parten and the cognitive play schemes of Smilansky. Results indicate a significant difference in types of play by class. (Author/SB)

The Exploratorium is a science museum with emphasis on the display and control of many kinds of natural phenomena and on ways of perceiving them. It combines the elements of sightseeing and play into the overall theme of human sensory perception. Art is also an integral part of the Exploratorium. (Author/MA)

Discusses roles for improvised role-playing as a language exercise in the French class. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Proposes French language learning activities based on dramatic techniques. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Author sees a bleak future for the under-fives in the wake of cuts in the nursery programme. (Editor/RK)

This book focuses on the need to equip practitioners to meet the play needs of children in today's early years settings. With babies and very young children increasingly being cared for in out-of-home care settings, it is essential for early years practitioners to be responsive and reflective to ensure that these young children's needs are met in…