Why is play important in the learning and development of young children?

When children play they are learning many things. They learn to share with others, to work out problems as they come up, and they learn socialization skills. They are also developing gross motor skills ( throwing balls, running, climbing) and fine motor skills. Perceptual motor development also takes place and also learn creative thinking/play. Little girls will play in the doll house and they learn how to comminicate with each other and they model behaviors that they see from their parents. Little boys play in the sandbox with their race cars and they learn how to communicate with other boys ( less so than girls). It is VERY important that young children be allowed to have free play in some part of their day.