The Open Field Test was used to assess variables that might not be manifested in a more standard testing situation. In this test, the child was shown 10 standard play objects in the room, and was told to do anything he wished with the toys. The tester initiated no interaction with the child and responded minimally to any overture made by the…

This reference work lists approximately 900 games, covering almost all subject matter fields, which have sufficient intellectual content to be used for educational purposes by students ranging from the elementary grades to the university, government or business level. Arranged alphabetically by the name of the game, each entry provides information…

The present study examined the effect of preceding activities upon the attending behavior of preschool children while listening to a story in a large group situation. Attending in the group subsequent to active play was compared with attending in the group subsequent to a quiet activity. The four subjects of this research ranged in age from 3 to 4…

This paper explores similarities and differences between Kohlberg's Piagetian or cognitive-developmental view of edcuation and Bruno Bettelheim's psychoanalytic view which stresses the motivational qualities of children's thought. Based on observations of his son, Kohlberg suggests that children's playful attitudes, like their serious ones,…

Considers the culturally patterned set of analogic renamings found in Huli baby talk, nursery rhymes, and children's verbal games. An analysis of socialization activities shows a marked concern with body motifs and appellations and inter-adult behavior involving talk about the body, and showing that such language sensitizes children to cultural…

Game playing between a mother and father and their handicapped infant/toddler twin sons was studied over a three-year period. Findings included: (1) the parents spent almost 30 percent of their interaction time in games; and (2) the father's style was faster-paced, with more abrupt beginnings/endings than the mother's style. (Author/JDD)

Presents results of study of 32 children (under five and over five) enrolled in preschool program in midwestern university which investigated when children should be introduced to computers and whether or not computer is perceived as sex-stereotyped activity by young children. Background, procedures, and results are discussed. Twenty-one sources…

Describes a field study of kindergarteners which found 1,006 pupils conserved identity up to 8 months, and 693 pupils conserved identity and equivalence. Follow-up studies showed no relationship between kindergarten conservation abilities and grade 1 math skills, although grade 6 math performance correlated significantly with kindergarten…

Describes the pioneering work in England of Susan and Nathan Isaacs in child development and educational psychology and argues that their work provides a remarkably contemporary analysis of the origin and function of human language. (Author/RDN)

The author examines the psychological attraction of stories for children, psychological mechanisms involved in the reception of story literature, and effects this literature has on personality development. (MS)

This study examined the relationship between a mother's childrearing history, perceived social support, and maternal empathy and the quality of engagement with her child during play. The study also focused on the roles of social support as a moderating variable and maternal empathy as a mediating variable in the relationship. Participants were 77…

Noting that play provides opportunities for children to develop adaptability, flexibility, and creativity, this paper links the findings of educational research on play and the work of teachers in primary classrooms in Scotland following the 5-14 curriculum. The paper's introduction provides information on historical and contemporary theories of…

Play for Peace (PFP) is an international initiative bringing together children, youth, and organizations from communities in conflict, using cooperative play to create compassion and peace between cultures that have a history of conflict. A 2-year study examined PFP's history and methodology and conducted a program assessment. Data were gathered…

Play is more than just fun; it is a powerful teaching tool that helps young children learn. With this practical, activity-filled guide, teachers will have ready-to-use strategies for weaving individual learning goals into play throughout the school day. Created for use with children ages 2 to 5 who have special needs--but equally effective for…

Many social processes are needed before a child is ready to speak, but many educational and therapeutic approaches to preverbal children do not address the social skills that are prerequisite to effective communication. This curriculum manual contains activities for educating parents and professional to help children develop the social skills…