The Importance of Play in Young Children’s Learning and Development

In playing, children acquire social skills, language interaction, motor development, and cognitive development (Piaget, 1962 & Vygotsky, 1976). Young children need to start playing early to build the foundation of their development; the right type of play is important for healthy development. This article will discuss the role of play in young children’s social skills, why play matters, and what parents and teachers can do to support young children’s social development and learning through play. This article provides guidelines for parents and teachers to help children develop social skills through play. It will conclude that social development is necessary for children's moral development.