The Effects of the Structure of Play Objects on the Pretend Play of Low-Income Preschool Children

Abstract

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Criteria used by adults and children to categorize subtypes of play

“…A distinguishing contextual component of Pretend play was found to be the use of toys or props, which was the greatest discriminator between play subtypes overall. This finding supports previous studies demonstrating that the use of toys or props facilitates Pretend play (Olsweski & Fuson, 1982;McLoyd, 1983;Rubin et al, 1985;Pellegrini & Perlmutter, 1989).…”

“…Furthermore, criteria cited by adults and children for each subtype will be compared to determine whether there is consistency across age groups. In accordance with previous literature it is hypothesized that there will be a higher proportion of non-literality (Fein, 1981;Rubin et al, 1983;Howes et al, 1992;Lillard, 1993;Pellegrini & Smith, 1998a), communication/intimacy (Rubin et al, 1985;Howes et al, 1992;Packer, 1994; and physical (use of toys/props) (Olsewski & Fuson, 1982;McLoyd, 1983;Rubin et al, 1983;Pellegrini & Perlmutter, 1989) criteria cited for Pretend play excerpts.…”

“…The physical context of play in relation to the use of Subtypes of play 543 play equipment has been shown to specifically facilitate Pretend play (Olsewski & Fuson, 1982;McLoyd, 1983;Rubin & Howe, 1985;Pellegrini & Perlmutter, 1989), and the use of toys or props has been frequently cited as a criterion for play in general (Jenvey & Jenvey, 2002). Additionally, the social aspects of the play situation-in particular, the presence of other children-has been shown to increase the duration and frequency of play (Eaton & Keats, 1982;Pellegrini & Perlmutter, 1989).…”

Understanding Indoor Play in Deaf Children: An Analysis of Play Behaviors

“…Additionally, research suggests that play behavior is influenced by the play contexts and play materials (Henniger, 1985;Larson et al, 1990;McLoyd, 1983;Pellegrini & Galda, 1982;Pellegrini et al, 1984;Shim et al, 2001) and play partners (Doyle et al, 1980;Matthews, 1978;Hadley & Rice, 1991;Hartup, 1978;Howes, 1983;Howes et al, 1994;Rice, 1993). Rubin's (2001) play observation scale included social play behavior categories (solitary, parallel, and cooperative play behaviors) and cognitive play behaviors categories (functional play, constructive play, pretend/dramatic play, and games with rules).…”

“…The findings in these studies were not entirely consistent and also demonstrated deaf children's play behaviors were inferior when compared to those of their hearing peers. Additionally, research suggests that play behavior is influenced by the play contexts and play materials, (Henniger, 1985;Larson, Greenfield & Land, 1990;McLoyd, 1983;Pellegrini & Galda 1982;Pellegrini, Galda & Rubin, 1984;Shim, Herwig & Shelley, 2001) and play partners (Doyle et al, 1980;Matthews, 1978;Hadley & Rice, 1991;Hartup, 1978Hartup, , 1983Howes, 1983;Howes et al, 1994;Rice, 1993).…”