Physical
Active play helps kids with coordination, balance, motor skills, and spending their natural energy (which promotes better eating and sleeping habits).
Emotional
During play, kids learn to cope with emotions like fear, frustration, anger, and aggression in a situation they control. They can also practice empathy and understanding.
Social
Playing with others helps kids negotiate group dynamics, collaborate, compromise, deal with others’ feelings, and share – the list goes on.
Cognitive
Children learn to think, read, remember, reason, and pay attention through play.
Creative
By allowing imaginations to run wild during play, kids create new worlds, and form unique ideas and solutions to challenges.
Communication
Play lets kids exchange thoughts, information, or messages by speech, signals, writing, or actions.
Discover play ideas by age, benefit, and prep time to play every day!
We have articles, useful tips, sound advice, and the latest research from leaders in the field on children and education.
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Allison Miller
Founder & CEO of Happy Camper Live
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The Toy Association
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Natalia Kucirkova
Professor of Early Childhood Education & Development
