As they play, children learn to solve problems and to get along with people. They enhance their creativity and develop leadership skills and healthy personalities. Play develops skills children need to learn to read and write and is the best foundation for success in school. Physical skills are developed through movement as a child learns to reach, grasp, crawl, run, climb and balance. Dexterity develops as the child handles toys or other objects.
Language develops as a child plays and interacts with others.
A baby's cooing games with parents evolve into the language skills of a child sharing stories. Learning to cooperate, negotiate, take turns and play by the rules are important interpersonal lifetime skills, all of which are fostered through play. Emotional well-being develops through positive play experiences. Through play, a child can fulfill his or her wishes and can overcome fears and unpleasant experiences. Play helps the child master the environment.