Based on the view that play is profoundly mutual and social, this book compiles chapters by distinguished psychoanalysts, clinical psychologists, social workers, and developmental psychologists, who offer a rich, integrative view of the many dimensions of early play as it occurs among peers, between parent and child, and in the context of therapy.…

This paper investigates high school students' reactions to the science theater play "Mapping the Soul," which was developed by the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts. Science theater is both an educational technique and a type of museum theater. This study explores these questions: (1) Do students differentiate learning science from…

This package of patriotic learning activities refers to historic tales about colonial days, Black history, and the contributions of the states to America's wealth and history. Poems, skits, riddles about states and presidents, and a play featuring mock presidential interviews are included. A Save-the-Statue-of-Liberty project is noted. (PP)

Early and ongoing exposure to entomology promotes interest in insects, minimizes fear of nature, and instills appreciation for biodiversity. Three effective ways to introduce young children to the study of insects are: live collections for observation and investigation, re-creation of insects through artistic constructions to learn structure and…

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)

Describes a set of techniques designed to provide teacher support for children engaged in story re-enactment. The techniques were developed at the Early Childhood Development Center at the University of Vermont, and found to be useful with preschool children. (BB)

Explores the theme of "entrances" in children's literature and film from the physical, emotional, and symbolic perspectives. Materials containing each type of theme are suggested. Programming ideas for developing the theme using art, storytelling, dramatic play, and creative writing activities are provided. A resource list including 91…

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…

Explains why play is an important tool for understanding and diagnosing children's problems, outlining signals for concern in children's play. Focuses on three areas of play where deviations can be observed: thematic content, style of play, and social interactions in play. Suggests strategies for dealing with these deviations, examining the role…

Observed behaviors of 37 female and 23 male Australian preschoolers. Found that only 20% engaged in thematic pretend play (linked to perspective taking, language development, impulse control, divergent problem solving) whereas 24% used cooperative social play (linked to divergent problem solving). Results suggest need for assistance in the…

In a study on the effects of play period length on four and five year olds' play behavior, results indicated that play time affected the amount and maturity of play. Guidelines for structuring play time in the classroom are offered. (BB)

Describes the experience of preparing Venezuelan English-as-a-Foreign-Language students at lower intermediate level to perform a Trinidadian dialect play before an international audience during a short course. The exercise was used to teach local culture in relation to the native culture of the students and also to teach functional and grammatical…

Explores how students take what they understand through reading and talking about literature and express their ideas in art, drama, music, or math. Argues that one way learners push their understandings and create more complex meanings is through such transmediation. Offers examples of responding to literature through multiple sign systems. (SR)

This research project explored how children's ability to exchange ideas and resolve conflict was influenced by regularly setting aside time to dictate and act out stories. Research methods for this 3-month project included audiotapes, a questionnaire, and the stories from 23 first-grade children. Observations looked specifically at conflict…