The Play Rating Scale was developed to observe young children's behaviors in four different areas of play: physical, block, manipulative, and dramatic. In each area, observations focus on frequency, ability, and creativity in communicating ideas; social levels of participation; and leadership capability. A total of 2,400 three-, four- and…

Argues that medieval drama in performance suggests a number of important issues about the nature of literature, particularly about the way narrative and dramatic art can express the life of a community. Presents a series of exercises that start with familiar, nonthreatening situations in order to approach the richness of medieval plays and the…

Role playing differs from the more static teaching technique of simulation in its incorporation of originality and theatricality. From preparation to presentation, it is important to retain the element of play, avoid techniques of or tendencies toward psychodrama, and hold the pedagogical or evaluative purposes in mind. (MSE)

Techniques for warming up, establishing group rapport, and setting in motion a role-playing activity are outlined. These involve physical games, communication exercises, oral skill development, and creative thinking. (MSE)

Reports on 10 documents from the ERIC system that provide insight on the creative process and information on a variety of creative classroom activities. (PD)

Describes a play observation system and offers guidelines for using a recently developed play observation inventory. Two basic sociodramatic play training procedures are described which teachers can use to enhance the quality of children's play. (Author/RH)

In lieu of language lab attendance, second-year language students had the option of attending a drama lab. This program has met with great success. The objective of the lab is to improve skills in pronunciation, intonation, and stress patterns. Also, an environment is created in which the student feels at home with the target language. (PJM)

The effects of two types of play experiences (constructive and dramatic) on 64 preschool children's perspective-taking performance were studied. (Author/MP)

This article gives many suggestions for using drama in the foreign language classroom. (CFM)

Examined the influence of curriculum preparation on children's content knowledge of dramatic play centers' themes, dramatic play behavior, and theme-relevant conversation during play. Found that theme familiarity may have been a critical factor. Posttest content knowledge was positively related to frequency of dramatic play. Teacher effects on…

Discusses how prop boxes enhance learning and are resources in multicultural and nonsexist primary education, focusing on play, experimentation, and cooperation. Examines integration of prop boxes into the curricula and activities, and presents examples of generic and specific multicultural prop boxes that incorporate art, music, foods,…

Reviews articles from the "Journal of Research in Childhood Education" on the advantages of decreased teacher-student ratio, cross-cultural child development comparisons, developmentally appropriate classroom play, teacher choices related to observational schemes; cross-typed sexual roles and children's perception, and the positive…

Discusses "socio-play," an innovative Soviet educational philosophy geared to developing individual and group creativity using theatrical techniques in the classroom. Describes how to use several theatrical games and acting techniques in the classroom, and discusses results. (SR)

States that the need for developing creative thinking is currently seen as one of the most pressing needs in the Soviet Union. Describes an innovative aesthetic elementary education program in which students, teachers, and parents work together. (SR)