Editors' Note: When this article was posted in Reading Online in May 2000, readers were invited to comment on it through a bulletin board feature that was discontinued when the journal was redesigned in July 2000. Following are the comments posted to that bulletin board.

Readers who would like the opportunity to comment on this or other articles in the journal are invited to contact the authors directly or to post messages through ROL's Online Communities.

Post 1

Author: Susan_Wallace
Date: 06-08-2000 11:42

It is apparent that in the nationwide frenzy to improve standardized test scores, a valuable aspect of early literacy is being threatened. I agree with the authors that the importance of play in early literacy learning might be misunderstood. It is one of our many jobs as early literacy educators to educate the public (mainly parents) and other educators about the importance of play in the process of learning to read and write."The goal is not a play environment decorated with print, but rather a play environment networked with print so as to interrelate space, materials, and activity." (p. 11) The koukai kenkyuu jugyuu was effectively presented with a balance of illustrations, critiques and reflections.

Post 2

Author: Tami_Wallace
Date: 06-14-2000 13:16

As I read this article, I couldn't help but to think back to this past school year. A first grade teacher at my school suggested that we should do away with recess and classroom centers because they interfere with valuable instruction time. I struggled with these comments, but I wasn't sure of an appropriate response to her opinion. After reading this poniant article, I think I will send it to her.

This article really helped me to understand the value of well constructed play centers in an early childhood classroom. I was able to grasp how conversation, and print help enhance a child's literacy. Reading the article enlightened me on how to organize centers so that they will be truley beneficial to children. I will remember these suggestions as I return to school in the fall.

Reply 2a

Author: Amy Strawser
Date: 06-20-2000 22:59

I teach two half-day kindergarten sections where I have integrated learning centers that foster literacy development and play. The children really enjoy this part of our day. Emergent writing and reading skills, a rich sense of language, problem-solving skills and cooperation are evident in each center. This article strengthed my belief in the importance of play in the literacy development of young children.

Reply 2b

Author: Cathie_Cullum
Date: 06-22-2000 20:13

After reading this article I am in total agreement with the authors. As a second grade teacher in a school that mandates 3 hours a day of reading instruction it is very difficult to find the time for constructive, educational play in the school day. However, I have found it important for me to fit this time in at least a few times a week. It seems that today children have forgotten how to play. I watch my students and they don't seem to know how to play "house", "school" or "store". They don't know how to interact with other children in a positive way. I feel it is important for me to give them the opportunity to learn these skills. Their language development is also fostered through this type of role play.

Reply 2c

Author: Linda_Harwood
Date: 06-26-2000 17:39

After reading the article on Play in Early Childhood, I felt a sense of relief. I thought that I was the only one left that still includes play in the Kindergarten Program. The Early Childhood philosophy is getting lost in test scores and rubriks. This author understands that integrating play and literacy makes learning exciting for children. Teachers know that children do best when they are interested in what they are doing. Thank-you.

Post 3

Author: Cristan_Slusher
Date: 06-24-2000 11:03 This article reminds me why it is so important for children to be given time to play. After observing my own students last year I saw that many of my stuents did not know how to play an organized game with their classmates. Many times the teachers had to give the students an idea of what game to play. Many of our students do not have an imagination, they do not pretend when they play. I do not hear children saying things like, "let's pretend we I am the baby and you are the parent."

Next year, I will be teaching in first grade. I feel it is critical to the development of these children that they are given time to play and explore their environment. I plan to use many of the suggestions given by the authors as I plan learning centers in my classroom.

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