Length of Activity Periods and Play Behaviors of Preschool Children

This study examined the effects of activity period duration on children's play in playdough and block activities. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed that significantly more constructive play was found at the end of children's play sessions. Though not significant, there was also less functional and more dramatic play at the end of the play period. Differences were found between the quality of play in the block and the playdough centers. Recommendations were made for early childhood educators to reexamine the importance of longer play periods in planning daily schedules and activities.