Unstructured play sets the stage for essential life skills. Experiential play enhances learning readiness, improves fine and gross motor skills, increases social-emotional intelligence, and develops problem-solving abilities. Children learn to work together, build confidence, and direct their own play experience. Pretend play also helps children understand the power of language and storytelling, strengthening connections between spoken and written language — a skill that will later help them learn to read. Above all, play builds joy.
