Researchers and practitioners agree that play is an important tool for children's learning and development. Learning through play could help children gain skills like creativity, improve self-esteem, teach children how to work in teams, interact socially, and problem solve. Some interventions to increase play-based interaction between parents and children early in life have shown to have an effect on IQ, educational attainment, employment and earnings later in life.
The Impactful Spread of Learning Through Play - Center for Education Innovation Blog