In six brief vignettes, Carol Stock Kranowitz, Bonnie Neugebauer, Shirley C. Raines, and Margie Carter discuss the use of folk and fairy tales in the preschool classroom. (DR)

Discusses the benefits for children's literacy, creativity, and enthusiasm for classroom activities of taking dictation of preschool children's own stories and facilitating dramatizations of these stories. Considers issues in the process of dictation and dramatization. Describes differences and similarities in children's stories and their relation…

The focus of this article on play training (when adults intervene in informal but purposeful ways in preschool children's spontaneous, symbolic play) is not on whether it works, but on why it works. A theoretical framework for examining adult/child play interactions, which reconciles diverse perspectives in the literature, is presented.…

Here is a new approach to kindergarten language arts, developed through a blend of the authors' skills in education and theater. Language enrichment is their goal, action dramatics their technique. Discover how to make your classroom a place where the action is! (Editor/RK)

Argues that sociodramatic play in early childhood education provides children with developmental gains in social, emotional, cognitive, intellectual, language, and creative spheres. Stresses the importance of proper teacher education and practice of classroom sociodramatic play. Summarizes survey of preschool and kindergarten teachers regarding…

Investigated feasibility of teaching socio-dramatic play through the use of a verbal script to increase sophistication of free play behavior in preschoolers with developmental disabilities. Found support for the clinical utility of scripted play as a teaching strategy for such children. (SD)

Children are naturally curious, and try to make meaning of the world around them. They love to watch things grow and take note of dramatic changes in science and nature. The authors discuss how one can support children's investigations, as well as their growing capacity to notice and understand growth and change. The authors present some exciting…

The result of a collaboration of psychoanalysts and others who met over several years to study the many meanings of play, this book is designed to contribute to the broader field of knowledge about the emotional development and inner resources of children. Written primarily for therapists, educators, and clinicians, it is divided into three major…

This resource booklet focuses on the definitions, developmental stages, and the benefits of socio-dramatic play. The booklet deals with the players, shows how adults can support children's play, describes the play environment, and offers some suggestions for development of curriculum based on play. The booklet discusses children's approach to…

Observations of a language development program in an informal classroom of a British infant school. (PD)

Suggests that, through practical understanding of quantum theory, teachers can develop new role-play and narrative strategies, arguing that describing fictional worlds through narrative and exploring virtual worlds through role play can transform children's consciousness. Applies the quantum theory metaphor to drama, learning, and self-image.…

Emphasizes the educational benefits derived from research in dramatics arts. Cites research indicating that role playing has a positive effect on oral language, moral reasoning, and self-esteem. Points out that teachers and administrators do not include dramatic instruction in their curriculum, and offers ways to make dramatic arts more appealing.…

This longitudinal study of changes in play behavior in preschool children reports decreases in less mature forms of play and increases in more mature forms of play over time. The study was designed to test the assumption that the play of young children develops in a progressive manner. Ten 3-year-olds and ten 4-year-olds were observed during free…

Describes development and use of creative drama with 30 children over a six month period. Over time, the dramas evolved through four stages: chaos, control and chaos; control; and flexibility. Certain developmental and psychological themes also emerged: narcissism, exhibitionism, activity, orality, dominance, morality, social themes, comedy and…

Children's sociodramatic play is very much associated with their growing ability to use symbols for a variety of functional purposes external to the symbols themselves. Defining such play as "voluntary social role-playing involving two or more children," this paper draws on research on sociodramatic play to: (1) discuss the nature of…