ABSTRACT
Children are very social beings that need to develop their interpersonal skills. They naturally do this through play. These skills are all but ignored in education today, and yet we continue to wonder why students are disrespectful, act like bullies, and can have a hard time developing healthy relationships with teachers and peers. The social aspects of play can't be overlooked, either. Rough-and- tumble play teaches us how to cooperate and play fair. Play is another aspect of education and recess that has but been abandoned in pursuit of test preparation. Play has been scientifically proved to be good for the brain. Rats that socialize more with other rats develop bigger, more complex brains. And play stimulates nerve growth in the portions of the brain that process emotions and executive function.
