The Effects of Social and Isolate Toys on the Interactions and play of Integrated and Nonintegrated groups of Preschoolers

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of social and isolate toys on the interactions and play of integrated and nonintegrated groups of preschoolers. Sixteen preschoolers (12 handicapped) participated. Observations were made using a time-sampling technique obtaining information on the frequency of interactions, amount of time preschoolers engaged in toy play, and toy preferences. Results revealed that under conditions in which only social toys were available, children generally engaged in more interactions and less toy play as compared to the other conditions. These results were consistent across groups.