6 Benefits of Play

Play isn’t all fun and games — it’s also an important teaching tool! Through play, kids learn how to interact with others and develop critical lifelong skills. These 6 benefits all play an important role in raising well-rounded children.
Physical Skills
physical

Physical

Active play helps kids with coordination, balance, motor skills, and spending their natural energy (which promotes better eating and sleeping habits).

Process Emotions
emotional

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.  

Cognitive Skills
cognitive

Cognitive

Children learn to think, read, remember, reason, and pay attention through play.

Creative Skills
creative

Creative

By allowing imaginations to run wild during play, kids create new worlds, and form unique ideas and solutions to challenges.

Communication Skills
communicative

Communication

Play lets kids exchange thoughts, information, or messages by speech, signals, writing, or actions.


Put the Benefits of Play into Action

Discover play ideas by age, benefit, and prep time to play every day!
physical tile--9-12 tile--3-6 tile--6-9 tile--5-min
Ages 5 years and older
emotional tile--9-12 tile--30-min
Ages 10 years and older
blue tile--9-12 tile--6-9 tile--3-6
Ages 4 years and older
cognitive tile--3-6 tile--6-9 tile--9-12 tile--15-min
Ages 3 years and older

Check out Our ‘Expert Advice’ Page

We have articles, useful tips, sound advice, and the latest research from leaders in the field on children and education.

View Articles