This study examined the variation in children's choice of learning centers in a naturalistic, free-play setting. The study was designed to develop a realistic picture of how 4- and 5-year-olds interact in each of 4 settings (computer, dramatic play, block, and manipulative) to allow for comparison of their behaviors between genders and across…

Explored contributions of complex sociodramatic play (CSP) in early childhood to self-regulation development for impulsive and nonimpulsive preschoolers. Found that Time 1 CSP positively correlated with, and solitary dramatic play negatively correlated with, self-regulation during Time 2 clean-up periods. The CSP/self-regulation relationship was…

Suggests that children will become more constructively involved during outside play time if teachers and caregivers plan and implement outdoor learning centers and change them frequently. Identifies four kinds of play and describes appropriate learning center activities for each. (BB)

Reviews research on the early development of symbolic play. Suggests that symbolic play begins to emerge near the beginning of the child's second year and continues to play an important role in his or her development throughout the preschool years. Proposes basic techniques caregivers can use to facilitate and promote the development of symbolic…

The amount of violence and inappropriate information that children receive through television and other media is a matter of concern. This paper reviews the values of fantasy play and compares those values with the effects of television viewing on New Zealand children. Both obvious and subtle messages that children receive from television are…

The creative arts--including music, movement, dramatic play, puppetry, painting, sculpture, and drawing--are a crucial part of early childhood. Not only do the arts allow children to express themselves, but creative activity can enhance development of children's skills in literacy, science, math, social studies, and more. This engaging collection…

Written for the wide range of practitioners working with young children, this book offers guidance on both the theory and the practical management of drama in the early years. The book emphasizes the relationship between pretend play and the cognitive and affective development of young children, and highlights children's need to experience quality…

Dialogical drama with puppets is a specific method of revealing basic cultural values for preschool children. For this study, an interactive performance of a puppet show for young children was videotaped, along with a later performance of the same show by the children. The study compared the techniques used by the adult performers and the children…

Describes a play-based procedure for assessing young children's knowledge of the functions of writing. A case study highlights this discussion. (BB)

This workbook brings together activities to aid in motivating children to concentrate, listen, respond, think, and learn. The activities rely upon play-like tasks involving drama, music, and other forms of creative expression. The activities are organized by the season in which they are appropriate and include songs, dramatic sequences, stories,…

Describes the format of, and topics covered in, the Partners in Play training model, which is designed to enrich children's play in child care settings through the development of play training for parents and caregivers. Training focuses on techniques and strategies that help adults understand and facilitate play. (BB)

This study describes the lived experience of Kevin, a young child with physical disabilities who is placed in an inclusive classroom, a classroom where children with and without disabilities are educated together, with extra support provided for the child with disabilities. Children with disabilities who are placed in inclusive early childhood…

Many early childhood educators are beginning to experiment with and use portfolio assessment. Teachers are also observing young children at play and documenting their play activities for assessment purposes. Close observation of sociodramatic play gives teachers accurate perspectives on young children across the developmental domains of…

Research on the cognitive development of play skills in young handicapped children is reviewed, focusing on two Piagetian styles of play--sensorimotor (exploratory) and symbolic (pretend and dramatic). The review emphasizes developmental patterns, areas of deficit, and implications for intervention in various handicapped groups. (Author/JDD)

Recognizing that creativity facilitates children's learning and development, the Head Start Program Performance Standards require Head Start programs to include opportunities for creative self-expression. This guide with accompanying videotape, both in English- and Spanish- language versions, encourages and assists adults to support children's…