Observations made by kindergarten teachers of their children and the researchers' observations of the same children were used in this study to examine the impact of television cartoons on children's free play behavior. Sixty-five kindergarten children and their teachers (N=18) were studied. Each child was individually interviewed and was asked the following questions: (1) What are your favorite television programs? (2) What are your favorite cartoon programs? (3) What are your favorite cartoon characters? (4) Why do you like these characters? Teachers, after observing their children during free play activities (recess/outdoor play activities, and art activities), were asked the following questions: What do you see in the classroom that is evidence of the effect cartoons have on children's behavior? Are you aware of children's program preferences? Results indicated that cartoons were the most preferred type of television program for the children. The most often mentioned program favorites were those aired on weekday afternoons. Children tended to watch these programs in the company of other children and/or adults. Children disliked the news, movies, and scary pictures. Teachers seemed to view cartoons as an influence on children's in-class behavior. Television-related behaviors most often represented in the classroom appeared to be stimulated by the adventure drama shows containing real-life characters rather than by cartoons. Teachers appeared to be unfamiliar with the cartoon programs that were most watched by children, that is, those programs aired on weekday afternoons. Teachers were more familiar with programs aired on Saturdays. (Author/MP)