A philosophical analysis of play and games is undertaken in this paper. Playful gaming, which is shown to be a synthesis of play and games, is utilized as a category for undertaking the examination of play and games. The significance of playful gaming to education is demonstrated through analyses of Plato's, Dewey's, Sartre's, and Marcuse's…

This book examines the history and purpose of outdoor play areas. Chapter 1 of the book discusses the importance of play in children's lives and the role of playgrounds in the play process. The historical development and evolution of playgrounds is recounted in chapter 2, while chapter 3 reviews research on playgrounds, including research…

This study examines the earliest jokes produced by three children and investigates how these jokes contribute to a model of humor development. Subjects were three male infants, and data was collected through a diary record procedure kept by the children's parents. Data was collected on one child at age 13 months; data collection for the other two…

Differences in the play behavior of three mildly, three moderately/severely handicapped and three nonhandicapped preschoolers were examined. Videotapes of free play interaction were analyzed according to existence and appropriateness of interaction and type of noninteraction (toy-directed, self-directed or non-appropriate). Data were analyzed…

A discussion of how to captivate an instructional television audience through dramatization and role-playing. (Author)

Examines the manipulative strategies of 2- to 6-year-olds in terms of three structural principles--hierarchical complexity, interruption and role change--which are formally parallel to dimensions of language structure. Paper includes an extensive discussion of related studies. (JMB)

Paper discusses and presents some examples of the exploration and play mode for computer assisted learning. (Author)

Describes a 30-week program at Michigan State University in which undergraduates gain experience and knowledge mainly by communicating with young children through weekly play encounters. Observation and discussion of videotapes, and lecture and discussion classes are also part of the teacher training program. (ED)

Encourages parents to have more respect for children's play and to spend more time observing their child's play because observation is an effective form of reinforcement. (ED)

Offers suggestions as to how teachers of nursery through second grade children might develop a creative dramatics program from elements that are already in the curriculum and in the children themselves. (Author/SDH)

Author focused on play as a useful and essential activity. (Editor/RK)

Playing with blocks can facilitate the creative, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of young children. This article presents information and activities concerning block play and its role in young children's experience. Topics covered include: (1) types of blocks; (2) selection of blocks and accessories; (3) planning of the…

This paper examines aspects of the use of puppets with young children and provides guidelines on proper times for puppet use, basic movements, and patterns. The use of puppetry in dramatic play provides young children with opportunities for refining communication skills and defining self. Puppetry provides a means for children to explore their…