Children are natural learners, but they need to have their internal, intrinsic motivation to be lifelong learners reinforced. In today's media-driven, pressure cooker world, children don't always know how to engage in the complex play that leads to deeper learning. They often need adult intervention to help them move from simplistic, repetitive play to explorations and dramas that will give them the foundational learning for success in school and life. In this article, the author discusses some key concepts as she guides teachers toward clearer understandings of addressing academic learning in the context of supporting meaningful play experiences.