Examined extent to which sixth and seventh grade students' (n=133) preference for outdoor activity changed during middle school. Found that boys', compared to girls', preference to play outdoors existed only in sixth grade. Factor analyses indicated three factors describing students: Teachers' Choice, Active Female Oriented, and Outdoor Male…

Presents three different articles on social studies. Includes an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of textbook use in social studies and a teaching method using puppets to represent historical or political personalities for debate, discussion, and interviews. Describes a program in which students learn about geography and other cultures by…

A survey of 48 parents of young children in rural Native communities in Ontario examined children's play activities at home; reasons for utilizing the community day care center; and parent attitudes about play, cultural education, the value of the center to the community, and educational activities at the center. (SV)

Examined social and cognitive play behaviors of preschool children in comparison to tests of convergent and divergent thinking. High levels of nonsocial activity were associated with low scores on the convergent thinking measure. There were negative relationships between nonsocial play and divergent thinking. (GLR)

Examines some of the ways in which young children learn about aspects of economics and industry, and discusses some of the reasons that have been advanced in the United Kingdom for the encouragement of this learning. (MDM)

This study explored effects of social levels of play (isolate, dyadic, group, and team) on play behavior of autistic children in a leisure education/adapted physical education program with nondisabled peers. Findings indicate that structured integrated activities involving higher levels of social play elicit a higher frequency of appropriate play…

Maintains that young children should be allowed to play with water and mud on the playground. Provides teachers with suggestions on ways to plan for such outdoor activities. (BB)

Found a consensus in children's judgments of videotaped fighting episodes as playful or serious. Results were similar for Italian and English children, for 8 and 12 year olds and for girls and boys. The most frequently cited judgment criterion was physical actions. A questionnaire study yielded a further criterion of facial expression. (BC)

Second and third grade guests were observed while they tried to join peer hosts who were playing a game. Females guests were less obtrusive than male guests in their entries, and males guests were more assertive. Guests were less constrained when approaching same-sex than opposite-sex hosts. Female hosts were more attentive to guests than were…

Describes a study demonstrating positive changes in collateral behaviors of three young children with visual impairments following an intervention of shared teacher-child play. Results support the pervasive impact of play, suggesting the possible use of supported play for incidental intervention in multiple behaviors of young children with visual…

Comments on Nicolopoulou's article in this issue on the idea that play is an inherently social and cultural cognitive childhood activity. Emphasizes the importance of cultural variation of play for research and education. (BB)

Observations of mixed-age classrooms of three and four year olds (n=36), of three year olds (n=27), and four year olds (n=31) found significant age differences in social and cognitive play for same-age, but not mixed-age, classes. Implications for early childhood education are discussed. (SLD)

Examines adults' literacy-assisted behavior, roles, and role-taking during spontaneous play of three and four year olds in three literacy-based play settings. The descriptive observations point toward commonalities among adults' facilitation of literacy play, accepted play intervention techniques, and adult behavior in storybook reading contexts.…

Outlines the educational philosophy of Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the experimental preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, which focuses on providing a physical and social environment for learning through interactions among children, teachers, and parents. Discusses formation of communications networks and 12 principles for organizing small group…

In response to extended-day child care schedules, this article offers suggestions for planning a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to maintain the preschool child's interest and energy. Suggestions are provided for scheduling, enlisting parent and volunteer participation, increasing awareness of current events, and for end-of-day…