The purpose of this study was to observe children naturally interacting with these touch screen devices. Little direct instruction was given to the children on the use of the devices however an adult did assist when needed. The device was introduced to the children as would be any other educational material such as play-dough, new items in the…

This study of a preschool classroom of 4 year old children examines underlying skills of number sense such as counting and spatial skills and Spontaneous Focusing on Numerosity. It also investigates children's patterns of engaging in spontaneous mathematical activities in free-play activity centers in relation to behaviors associated with…

An elementary reading specialist examined how drama can help young readers to become actively engaged with comprehending stories. The article explores how two first-grade students involved in a reading support program build representative yet unique understandings through process drama in connection with literacy activities. Through such…

This article describes the teaching method of Dorothy Heathcote, Professor of Drama at the Institute of Education at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. She uses classroom dramas for her classes, letting the children create their own dramatic situations. (JA)

Learning through play is as natural and important for young children as breathing. With this book, parents and teachers can create toys that help children become more confident, develop their intellect, and encourage play and exploration--all with materials easily found at the local hardware store or home center. Written by two experienced family…

Discusses aspects of movement education including its function, activities, materials, and relation to dramatic play. (JMB)

A group of early childhood teachers in an effort to reinforce the child development approach and counteract pressures for early rote learning, describes some specific cognitive learning events which can be found in the spontaneous play for young children. (ST)

This article gives a brief historical account of the principal rationales of drama in education in England, pursuing the notion of distortion of the nature of drama itself. By looking at past mistakes, we may better assess the place of drama in today's curriculum. (MT)

Examines the ways in which Jane Addams affected the field of creative drama. (PD)

Explores how child care providers can use outdoor activities to enhance young children's cognitive, social, emotional, and motor development. Discusses surveying the outdoor play space, using outdoor prop boxes, planting a garden, and reflecting on outdoor experiences after moving indoors. Includes list of sample outdoor play materials and sample…

This paper presents a guide to the selection and use of finger plays with children. Finger plays are defined as brief stories that rhyme and can be dramatized by fingers. After touching briefly on the origins of finger plays, the paper lists several uses for this activity, including motivating students, introducing new themes or units, and…

Fingerplays are enjoyable and versatile additions to program activities and can provide an informal opportunity to practice manipulative and coordination skills. As an instructional supplement in a variety of content areas, this form of dramatic play fosters the development of intellectual and language skills. Caregivers of young children often…

Suggests ways in which improvisational drama can be used to foster student involvement, self-awareness, and communication. (KS)

For forty years, the nursery school movement has emphasized play as part of the socialization process, but in the past few years, much research has been aimed at the question of stimulating cognitive development in the preschool years, especially for culturally deprived children. (Author/CB)

The paper considers the definition of high quality preschool from a Vygotskian perspective. Similarities and differences in the issues faced in Russia and those in the United States are discussed as background. Three major ideas are considered from the work of Vygotsky and of his students/colleagues, Daniel Elkonin and Alexander Zaporozhets. The…