Moving Young Children's Play Away from TV Violence. A How-to Guide for Early Childhood Educators: Child Care Providers, Head Start Instructors, Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers

Research concerning the effects of television violence on children--particularly young children under the age of six--has found that it tends to desensitize them to aggressive behavior and, in some children, promotes aggressive behavior in their play and other interactions with children and adults. This guide is designed to assist early childhood educators in dealing with the aggressive and destructive actions that children imitate from observing violence on television. The guide is focused on young children two through five years old, and on how educators can help children move away from violent play stimulated by television to the healthy, fun, and safe activities that promote growth and development. The introduction provides a general overview of television violence and its effects. Chapter one provides age-appropriate assistance in helping children understand the difference between "real" and "pretend." Chapter two provides age-appropriate activities to teach young children to pretend. Chapter three provides activities for creative play on an age-appropriate level. Chapter four provides information on helping children gain self control and manage feelings. Chapter five provides guidance to educators in communicating with parents about the effects of television violence. Five appendices include book suggestions, professional resources, research summaries, survey results, and advising panel resources. (Author/SD)