Teaching is hard. It's the most rewarding, fulfilling job in the world, but it's also frustrating, infuriating, and really, really hard. In this article, the author reflects on the importance of free play in early childhood classrooms. If teachers want to create happy children who love learning, forcing them to sit at desks or tables through early childhood is just not going to do it. They need to play, explore, use their gross and fine motor skills, and learn how to work with others. That balance between academic learning and learning through play is something that many teachers are constantly struggling to find--especially those who have to adhere to standards.