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Children are not just learning about the game at hand when they play; they are learning about the rules of our society, their own identity, and how to handle change and develop basic trust in the world. They are improving their brain function, immune system, physical ability, emotional resiliency, social skills, creativity, and the list goes on. Play strengthens a love of learning and promotes compassion.

What is the adult's role in play? It can be as playmate, coach, or referee—the key is to know when to stand back and observe and when to fully engage, as well as how to create a safe, age-appropriate environment that allows children to freely explore and use their imagination. Following is a list of books, articles and online resources that provide some insight to the basic principles that guide children's play:

• A Child's Work: The Importance of Fantasy Play; by Vivian Gussin Paley
• Children's Play: The Roots of Reading; edited by Edward F. Zigler, Dorothy G. Singer, and Sandra J. Bishop-Josef
• Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn—and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less; by Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Diane Eyer
• "The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds"; by Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MSEd and the Committee on Communications and the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health; PEDIATRICS Vol. 119 No. 1 January 2007, pp. 182-191.
• "Play-groups help give toddlers a head start"; by PAUL NYHAN, Seattle P-I; Tuesday, March 7, 2006.
• The Power of Play: How Spontaneous, Imaginative Activities Lead to Happier, Healthier Children; by David Elkind, Ph.D.
• Secret Spaces of Childhood; by Elizabeth N. Goodenough
• Your Child at Play: Birth to One Year: Discovering the Senses and Learning About the World (Your Child at Play Series); by Marilyn Segal
• Your Child at Play: One to Two Years: Exploring, Daily Living, Learning and Making Friends (Your Child at Play Series); by Marilyn Segal
• Your Child at Play Three to Five Years: Conversation, Creativity, and Learning Letters, Words, and Numbers (Your Child at Play Series); by Marilyn Segal
• The World According to Mr. Rogers: Important Things to Remember; by Fred Rogers

Thanks to the following organizations, which include references to several of the above resources on play and early child development, as well as many others:

• Child Care Resources
  • The Importance of Play
  • Supporting Young Children's Development Through Pretend Play
  • Play and Learn Groups
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
  • Learning through Water Play
  • Mathematics through Play
  • Playgrounds: Keeping Outdoor Learning Safe
  • Toys: Tools for Learning
  • The Value of School Recess and Outdoor Play
  • Water play: A key to children's living-learning environment
• Zero to Three
  • Help Your Child Learn Through Everyday Play [PowerPoint slideshow]
  • Power of Play: Learning Through Play From 0-3
  • Tips for Making the Most of Playtime

Other organizations dedicated to improving the outcomes and quality of life for all children by promoting healthy, constructive play:

• Alliance for Childhood
• Association of Children's Museums
• Playing for Keeps

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