Play is at the heart of a young child’s exploration and engagement in learning.
During play, children maximize their attention span as they learn how to self-regulate. When children make their own choices, engage other children in interaction, and spend time amusing themselves on their own, they learn much about themselves, their own capabilities, and the world around them.
Play not only provides the context for thinking, building knowledge, being attentive, solving problems, and increasing social skills. It also helps children integrate their emotional experiences and internalize guidance from their teachers. (California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Vol. 1, 2010)