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How Play Helps Kids Learn

Date: 04/08/26

Play is important for healthy child development. It is one of the main ways children learn, explore, and understand the world around them. Play allows children to:

  • Be active.
  • Calm their minds.
  • Follow their own ideas.
  • Communicate and cooperate with others.
  • Pretend.
  • Be creative.
  • Build physical, social, and intellectual skills.

According to Childcare.gov, play is serious business for your child. It helps their brains and bodies to develop and provides a fun way for children to learn about themselves.

For toddlers and infants, it can be delightful rolling back and forth on the floor, banging objects together, pouring water, or just running around in circles. For older children, it can be a world of make believe.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a report about how important play is and lists some of the benefits of play.

  1. Play supports healthy brain development.
  2. Play is one way infants and toddlers engage in and interact with their environment.
  3. Play allows children to safely explore their fears and practice adult roles.
  4. Play is a way that children build relationships with their peers and caregivers.

You can support your child by playing with them and encouraging their playtime. You can also encourage your children as they experiment with new skills, solve problems, and use their creativity while they play. Remember screen time is not playtime.