Play is the spontaneous or organized recreational activity of children; it is at the heart of the preschool curriculum. Play aids in the development of physical, intellectual, and social skills. Children's play progresses through three developmental stages: solitary, parallel, and social. Preschool teachers should arrange for four kinds of educative play: (1) manipulative play, which involves handling equipment that has small pieces; (2) physical play, in which the large muscles are used in activities such as running, climbing, or riding a tricycle; (3) dramatic play, which enables a child to assume a role and act it out in informal situations; and (4) games, which for young children should include everyone and have simple rules. Many outdoor and indoor play activities may be organized to encourage the development of new skills; these may use teacher-made materials or naturally occurring phenomena. Some examples are using rocks to make stepping stones in the playground; nature walks to observe or collect insects, leaves, or seeds; blockbuilding; dramatic play; art experiences; water play; sandbox play; and games. The school and teacher are responsible for informing parents about the concepts their children are learning through play, as it is the combined effort of parents and teachers that develops skills and abilities in young children. (CB)