The school curriculum addresses issues of structured environmental education; however, what informal opportunities are afforded to children at school to interact and expand their knowledge of the world around them? This small case study attempts to elucidate children's experience of the school playground environment. The findings suggest that…

Addresses the questions of why and how school learning activities might be made more playlike. Suggests that the concept of flow and of mastery learning are linked. While this relationship must be tested empirically, it offers the possibility of improving teaching techniques. (CB)

Notes that elementary school counselors use play as therapeutic tool to meet broad range of developmental needs of children. Contends that, when used in context of nondirective, child-centered relationship, plat offers younger and less verbal child opportunity to resolve issues that may interfere with emotional and social development and academic…

Describes recent reductions or elimination of recess at the elementary school level. Discusses the benefits of recess for children's intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. Argues that recess has educational and social values and should not be eliminated from the school day. (KB)

Two crucial development tasks for elementary school children are coming to terms with their physical development and acquiring physical skills. Skill development in organized sports is considered from the point of view of student athletes and coaches. The value of free play versus adult-organized activities is discussed. (BC)

Toys play a role in children's lives worldwide and can be used effectively to teach global education. There are more commonalities than differences among toys from different nations. The origins of toys are varied, sometimes reflecting religious beliefs or political events. Toys also indicate cultural values and attitudes and social changes. (BC)

Maintains that computer software and Internet exploration introduce playful elements into learning. Discusses the implications of "edutainment," a technologically mediated learning/enjoyment combination of experiences. Suggests that school may no longer be the primary site for learning but that teachers may need to reevaluate their…

Discusses rough-and-tumble (R&T) play and misconceptions about its role in the development of young children. Contrasts R&T with aggressive behaviors. Discusses the educational benefits of R&T and offers recommendations for incorporating it into young children's curricula. (Author/RWB)

Analyzes the impact that play has on science and mathematics learning for preschool and elementary school children. Examples are given of learning opportunities in science and mathematics available through children's play. Also considers the attitudes developed through play--curiosity, divergent thinking and motivation--essential to learning in…

The authors suggest that the recess period serves a positive purpose in the primary school curriculum, counter to the current practice of minimizing recess in many schools across North America and the United Kingdom. The authors' position is embedded in the larger debate about school accountability; they argue that school policy should be based on…

After arguing that there are substantial advantages to incorporating student play as a learning strategy in educational reform, the paper defines play, notes common misconceptions about play, examines reasons why children play, describes types of play, and looks at the function, outcome, and benefits of play. (SM)

Provides a theory- and research-based argument for the value of play in literacy instruction in the primary grades and offers examples of the ways teachers can create more playful phonics, read aloud, and expository writing experiences. Urges teachers to become well-versed in the values of play and be willing to educate administrators and parents…

Explores the importance of play in the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young children. Functional, constructive, and dramatic play, and games with rules, are examined. Suggests that play is a powerful curricular tool for the kindergarten and primary classroom. Investigates ways to integrate play into the curriculum and to…

The objective of this paper is to explain the need for and defend the sufficiency of the child's-play method of teaching the place value notation concept to preschool and elementary school children. Discussion first illustrates error patterns of school children in the use and interpretation of place value notation, arguing that the errors reflect…

The first part of this paper on the developmental consequences of children's exposure to chronic violence provides background information on the problem of violence. Developmental consequences of exposure to domestic and community violence for children at various developmental levels are briefly outlined. Consequences for children include: (1)…