Learning Through Play

Many fun materials and activities support child development. Some of the best items don’t even come from a store — they can be made at home, upcycled or found in nature.

Play supports key areas of child development. Games, objects, instruments and even mud pies can be exploratory lessons that teach children cognitive, emotional, social, health and physical development, and provide opportunities to practice language and communication skills. Don’t forget outdoor spaces, too. Playing and exploring outdoors lets children learn skills like digging, reaching, hopping, pedaling, pushing and more.