Two studies examined relationships between play and other developmental domains. Found that play was correlated with adaptive and fine motor skills at 12 months and with language at 20 months. Between 14-36 months, play was correlated with all Mullen Scale of Early Learning subtests. Language expressive and visual expressive scales predicted play…

Highlights the potential value of free symbolic play to the field of sexual abuse. Preliminary guidelines are suggested for appropriate use to gain information about possible sexual abuse; a case study is presented illustrating application. Potential impact of research comparing the free symbolic play of sexually abused and nonabused children is…

Discourses surrounding the notion of femininity are explored through two stories told in the play of three 4-year-old girls. The author considers whether it is possible to reconcile different discourses about femininity in the classroom and whether one can generate alternative discursive practices. (SLD)

Argues that shared play experiences are a good way to build mutually beneficial relationships among older and younger generations. Outlines why intergenerational play is important, focusing on its cognitive, social, physical, and emotional benefits for both older adults and young children. Describes toys, materials, and games conducive to positive…

Postmodern media culture widens the gap between school and children's external environments; it challenges the critical objective of media education. Students' efforts at media production manifest a more playful concept of knowledge and learning, requiring a more comprehensive postmodern approach to media education. (Contains 47 references.) (SK)

Subtypes of nonsocial play were examined for matched groups of young typically developing children and children with mild developmental (cognitive) delays. Findings indicated that the nonsocial play of these children can be characterized as multidimensional in a manner similar to that of typically developing children. However, context did not…

Sought responses of teachers of 4- and 5-year-olds to the Foundation Stage of the English national curriculum. Found that teachers welcomed the Curriculum Guidance because the document acknowledged the value of play for young children's educational needs and endorsed their return to what they believed were sound educational practices. Found that…

Examined relation between early fantasy/pretense and knowledge about mental life in 3- and 4-year olds. Found that performance on theory of mind tasks was significantly intercorrelated when effects of verbal intelligence and age were statistically controlled. Individual differences in fantasy/pretense were related to theory of mind performance in…

Examines the complex nature of pretense as portrayed in a popular UK children's television puppet show. Argues that animality of puppets is rendered opaque as their identities as children are linguistically accomplished, leading to a piece of representational art structured by moral and behavioral dictates typical of conventional adult-child…

Describes and outlines dramatic elements (character, character objectives, conflict, costumes, and "performance" rather than "production") that help students gain understanding of historical, social, and literary content. (SR)

A study compared the sandplay behavior and pictures of 26 children (ages 10-11) who had experienced sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse and 26 typical children. The children who had experienced abuse had difficulty staying within the boundary of the sandbox, displayed more regressed play, and presented more disorganized pictures. (Author/CR)

Discusses data from surveys assessing parents feelings about their children's play, finding that while parents believe play is important for children's development, they often believe that early academic learning is more important. Offers suggestions for early childhood educators to help parents make playtime more available to their children. (EV)

Elaborates on the nature of play and its function in children's overall development. Discusses how children's play relates to their literacy learning. Proposes practical suggestions for the use of play to promote early literacy in preschool programs. (SG)

Results are reported from a study which explored which play behaviors are characteristic of the field dependent and field independent cognitive styles. Social factors underlying cognitive style and play are identified. Subjects were 300 3- to 5-year-old children. Implications for teachers and researchers are discussed. (IAH)

The relationship between early language and cognition was studied in 20 children between 1 and 2 years of age. Four cognitive areas were tested: object permanence, means-end, play, and imitation. Results indicated that specific cognitive skills seem temporarily associated with some linguistic abilities, although attainment of skills can be…