In this updated version of their chapter from "Children's Play: The Roots of Reading" (published by ZERO TO THREE in 2004), the authors describe the recent attack on play, in both early childhood and elementary education. They provide a historical overview of the contentious relationship between play and cognitive development. The authors stress the necessity of a whole child approach, including an appreciation for the essential role of play for cognitive, social, and physical development. Quality preschool education, they conclude, requires pursuing both hands-on, play-based learning and developmentally appropriate instruction of academic skills.