Play is a NECESSARY part of childhood. Children learn best through play, for a variety of reasons, including:

• Children are natural explorers; play gives them a chance to make sense of the things they encounter in their world.
• Play is one of the first ways that children learn to communicate.
• Children learn to work together cooperatively through play and have their first experiences with conflict resolution.

How can teachers encourage this inherent curiosity? By providing children with stimulating, hands-on, child-led activities. A thoughtfully planned dramatic play area supports opportunities for children to try out new language and vocabulary, develop social skills, improve motor skills, and be creative. And, because dramatic play offers so many growth opportunities, we want ALL children to participate. It’s a great way for teachers to support learning through play.