This investigation sought to compare male and female differences in play activities between 21 blind subjects and 21 matched control subjects in second through eighth grade. (Author)

Examined the effects of the Disruptive Child's Play Group (DCPG) on the self-concept of children with disruptive behavior problems. Results indicated that counselors using structured play can have positive effects on the attitudes of disruptive children. The DCPG significantly increased self-concept scores of disruptive children. (RC)

Preschool children received either play tutoring or skills tutoring in an attempt to determine (1) whether play tutoring increases children's verbal intelligence and creativity and (2) which factor--play or adult contact--is responsible for gains from play tutoring. Adult contact was found to be the chief reason for cognitive gains. (Author/PP)

Reports on an experimental program in which preschool children, kindergarten children, and first- and second-grade students were enrolled for two months for the purpose of observing the extent and nature of the cognitive and social features of play interaction among age mates and nonage mates. (RH)

The greatest advantage of teaching English as a humanities subject is in the way it encourages children's natural abilities to express themselves creatively in words and to empathize with others. The history of the creative movement in Great Britain is traced through various literature. (PP)

Since children draw no sharp distinction between work and play, it is possible to link science and drama in school, integrating science learning with the rest of their education. The success of this approach is attested by descriptions of four dramatic presentations which were finalists in an interschool competition. (Author/JN)

Analysis of relationship of television content to preschool children's play based on observations at day care center reveals that television is source of content in play; television-facilitated games are not "new"; developmental differences exist in use of television content in play; use of television content in play has positive consequences.…

Evaluative intervention research studies in pretend play are investigations that examine the potential of imaginative play in young children to demonstrate a relationship between play and cognitive, social, and emotional growth. A review of the research indicates that children who engage in imaginative play yield higher test scores than those in…

Play has an important socializing function in the process of cognitive and social development. The focus of this treatise is on play as it relates to social interaction, role development, and assimilation of cultural expectations. (JN)

Playgrounds should be diverse and flexible so that children have many different opportunities for natural, creative play. Equipment should encourage group activities, challenge children at different levels of development, and enhance physical fitness. Such playgrounds could receive enthusiastic public support. (PP)

Asserts that literacy can be seen as a dramatic set. Shows how this conceptualization makes sense of the central concerns of language programs and provides an explicit means for developing literacy. Notes that drama activities provide experiences across many linguistic registers. (RL)

Observers recorded the sex-typed activities of 49 children during free-play sessions in nursery school and kindergarten. Reinforcing and punishing responses of peers and teachers were also recorded. Among the results, children reinforced one another primarily for gender-appropriate activities. Most reinforcements and punishments were received from…

Presents a dice-playing game which mathematically unsophisticated students and school children can play to learn empirically the principles of radioactive dating and population growth. (HM)

The developmental play (DP) approach enhances developmental and expressive communication through intense interaction between the child and significant adults. Children are encouraged to become aware of and to express feelings through play experiences and activities with adult partners. DP offers promise to those who work with dysfunctioning…

An antismoking program for elementary schools, using a mannikin of a thirteen-year-old boy in a skit with a doctor, reveals some of the side effects of smoking, including shortness of breath, bad breath, stained teeth and fillings, and the inability to properly taste and smell. (JMF)