This volume is a collection of nine papers focusing on different aspects of play. The first section, "Play, Growth, Development, and Learning," contains discussions dealing with make-believe play and learning; an all-in-fun approach to thinking, playing, and language learning for young children; and ways children learn through play. The second section, "Programing for Productive Play," discusses the evaluation of children's play engagements for social-cognitive growth; the role of the teacher in children's play; play materials and activities for children from birth to 10 years of age; and planning and using children's playgrounds. A playground rating scale is included. The third section, "Helping Children with Special Needs through Play," presents articles on the value of play for convalescing children between the ages of 3 and 12 years, and on helping the abused child through play. An extensive bibliography is provided, containing entries in several categories: history, theory and research, education, play materials, special needs children, play therapy, play groups, and games. (RH)