Examines the effects of literacy-enriched play settings on preschoolers' literacy behaviors in spontaneous free play. Finds differences in frequency, duration, and complexity of literacy demonstrations in play. Finds that children incorporated literacy objects in more diverse and functional ways than children playing in a normal physical…

Effects of adult mediation and literacy-enriched play settings in Head Start classrooms on environmental and functional print tasks were studied for 177 minority preschoolers in poverty. Results indicate that the active engagement of adult mediators in literacy-enriched office play settings influenced children's ability to read environmental…

Examines adults' literacy-assisted behavior, roles, and role-taking during spontaneous play of three and four year olds in three literacy-based play settings. The descriptive observations point toward commonalities among adults' facilitation of literacy play, accepted play intervention techniques, and adult behavior in storybook reading contexts.…

Reports on functions of preschoolers' literacy-based verbal exchanges in a print-enriched play environment. Content of four and five year olds' play behavior was systematically analyzed. Results suggest that children's collaborative engagement in literacy through play may have an important influence on their developing understanding of written…

Describes how play centers can be enriched in the functional uses of print. Details some of the effects observed on the frequency and quality of literacy activities in the spontaneous play of 37 preschoolers. (MG)

Notes that early childhood teachers need to encourage language and literacy development in a culturally responsive way, by acknowledging students' home culture, encouraging collaboration between students of different backgrounds, and setting the same standards of achievement for all students. Provides examples of culturally responsive learning…