Reconceptualizing Constructive Play: A Review of the Empirical Literature.

Constructive play occurs when children use play materials to make something. Until recently, this form of play received little attention in the play literature, in contrast to the extensive research on dramatic or make-believe play. Thus, an at tempt is made to assemble what is known about constructive play and to suggest issues for consideration in future research. First, data are summarized on the de velopmental patterns in constructive play, including information about age trends and sex differences. Next, a review is presented of what is known about the developmental correlates and effects of constructive play behavior. Finally, methodological and theoretical issues underlying research on constructive play are examined as a means of integrating the data. It is suggested that constructive play be conceptualized as the intersection of functional and dramatic play.