The review of toys and play behaviors notes the existence of two different but somewhat related forms: social play and cognitive play. Nonstructural factors (other than the presence of particular toys) affecting children's play behaviors are examined, as are peer influences on toy use and play. (CL)

Research established a moderate relation between toy availability and children's development throughout early childhood. Several aspects of psychological theory appear to describe part of the relation: cognitive developmental theory, relating learning and development, script theory, theories of intrinsic motivation, and theories relating play to…

The role of the physical environment is discussed as a major factor influencing child development. A differentiated approach is advocated wherein environmental, age, and organismic specificity are related to developmental impact. Availability, variety, complexity, and responsivity are discussed as dimensions of objects (toys) that interact with…

Play materials may be classified according to (1) their characteristics and use (subdivisions of instructional materials, real objects, constructive or creative play objects, and toys), and (2) empirically derived approaches (those developed by L. McCune-Nicholich and T. Yawkey). Educational implications are addressed. (CL)

Research on object exploration by infants addresses milestones in the process by normally developing infants, including spontaneous manipulation strategies. Implications for developmentalists working with high-risk preterm infants are noted, including the need for direct assistance in manipulation and for selection of materials. (CL)

Social and cognitive values of different play materials for 21 normal and 21 handicapped preschool children were examined. Analyses showed that handicapped preschoolers exhibited comparable amounts of symbolic play but lower quality of symbolic play than that shown by nonhandicapped preschoolers. Symbolic play by handicapped children depended much…

The article examines the importance of early childhood experiences with books as toys and the relationship of book play to reading. Selected bibliographies for infants and toddlers as well as guidelines for introducing books to infants and enhancing infant and toddler development are presented. (Author/CL)

Handicapped children's responses to toys vary as a function of sensory and response limitations, cognitive delays, and the quality of experiences provided. Each developmental difficulty generates special developmental needs that must be recognized and considered. The article focuses on criteria for selecting, adapting, and using toys for each…

Three older siblings were taught to use two milieu teaching procedures, modeling and mand modeling, with young children who exhibited language delays. Older siblings applied the techniques while playing, and subjects learned to use the targeted utterances both as responses and spontaneously. Additionally, interactions became more positive.…

This article offers both a rationale and method for the implementation of a natural literacy program for preschool children with language disabilities. It reviews research on development of fundamental literacy skills and briefly describes extant approaches to facilitating literacy skills. Tenets of the natural literacy perspective are explained…

Analysis of communicative exchanges between 24 children (ages 2-3) with Down syndrome and their mothers found that the quality of children's responses was highly associated with the degree to which the mothers' requests were related to the child's current activity and matched or were below the child's current developmental level. (DB)

Describes the design and impact of an inquiry-oriented professional development course on South Carolina teachers' perspectives of homeless children and families. Notes that multiple perspectives, participant involvement in goal setting, and opportunities to apply knowledge in community and school settings led to changed attitudes toward the…

Delineates the need for and describes an experiential course on self-concept development for preservice teachers in the early childhood Associate Degree program at New Mexico State University. Notes that activities designed for nontraditional adult learners focus on development of self-knowledge, esteem, and ideals through self assessment and…

Notes the importance of providing preservice early childhood educators with ethics guidance and instruction. Summarizes results of Survey of Instruction in Professional Ethics (SIPE) indicating that most early childhood teacher educators include professional ethics instruction. Suggests use of a Code of Ethics, SIPE, textbooks, and videotape…

Argues that sociodramatic play in early childhood education provides children with developmental gains in social, emotional, cognitive, intellectual, language, and creative spheres. Stresses the importance of proper teacher education and practice of classroom sociodramatic play. Summarizes survey of preschool and kindergarten teachers regarding…