The importance of play in children's cognitive development is stressed, and the roles of transformation and language in play are examined. (CL)

Ten elements comprising the basic level of play therapy with children are presented, and the "resort" model, upon which successful play therapy is based, is discussed. (MJB)

A description is given of the organization and activities of a playgroup program for young children (ages one year through three years). (JD)

Creative noncompetitive games are described. (JD)

Mime is discussed as a group recreational activity. (JD)

This paper demonstrates methodology for assessing symbolic maturity or mental representation as evidenced in symbolic play. Five female subjects (14 to 19 months at the inception of the study) were observed monthly at home in a free-play situation over one year. (Author/SB)

Comparison of gender differences in the observed play of 30 preschool children with cognitive delays found that, overall, boys engaged in more functional play and were more sophisticated when playing with a vehicle toy set whereas girls engaged in more constructive play and demonstrated greater sophistication with respect to doll toys. (Author/DB)

Provides compilation of guidelines for purchasing educational toys. Considers the value of educational toys, including their appeal and stimulation, age appropriateness, and open-endedness; the toys' construction quality, including methods of construction and manufacturer reputation; safety factors, especially potential for choking and poisoning;…

Argues for a less rigid conception of leisure. Describes how leisure has been socially constructed and how the concept is changing in postmodern consumer culture. Suggests that adult education discourse neglects consumer culture and leisure, thus ignoring part of adults' everyday existence. (SK)

Offers suggestions for facilitating infant play for the following age groups: birth to 4 months, 4 to 8 months, 8 to 12 months, and 12 to 18 months. Suggestions cover play materials and some activities. (KB)

Presents a dramatization of a fictitious debate about the age of the earth that takes place at the Royal Institution, London, England, in the year 1872 among Sir William Thomson, T.H. Huxley, Sir Charles Lyell, and Hermann von Helmholtz. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/YDS)

Two observations, one of a toddler mastering a skill and one of a group of children playing, show how imitation and variation are interwoven in the strategies for learning used by children. Imitation is an entrance into learning, and variation gives insight into the cognitive world of young children. (SLD)

Illustrates a variety of play responses that emerged spontaneously in the days following the September 11 attacks, asserting that although this event is similar to other tragedies, it is unique in U.S. history and has affected children intensely. Contrasts the complexities of the healing process of play with the official responses of the…

Studied developmental changes in the relationship between 43 sibling pairs when the second child was 24 and 36 months old. Dyadic measures of sibling interaction showed little change over time, whereas individual measures of behavior showed changes in the nature of interactions consistent with developments in the younger child. (RJC)