ABSTRACT
This chapter describes student's reactions. Play is one of the highest forms of learning, recognized by the pioneers of early childhood education. Think about times when toddlers are allowed to play freely, such as at a playground, during recess, or at daycare. During free play, students test their abilities, skills, imagination, and intelligence for the sake of satisfying their curiosities and inquiries. If they play with their peers, they learn important social and emotional skills, like conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving. The design of our physical and virtual classrooms needs to inspire students at every age to participate in periods of free play. The curriculum needs to allow time for students to participate in free play in their "learning playgrounds". The climate is changing in schools and paving the way for us to support free play in our learning playgrounds. Governments recognize the need for more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) professionals.
