In this article, the authors discuss how play influences a child's development in multiple areas. The article begins by introducing how play influences the development of a child's social and emotional state; play well with others and learn to manage feelings. Then the author moves on to how physical development is also promoted through play. This happens through playtime and physical activity where children have the opportunity to be involved in play that develops their fine and gross motor skills. Finally, the author discusses how play also promotes creative development and simultaneously physical, social and emotional development. This creative development is believed to be developed through the use of the child's imagination and role play. The main thesis discusses the link between child-led play and the normal, healthy development of children. This article begins by discussing the relationship between play and social/emotional development. A child's emotional development is vital to developing into a healthy adult who can deal with all the stress and busy lifestyle that accompanies living in today's society. According to these authors, when children are exposed to guided play, “their social competence and emotional maturity increase…. verbal and nonverbal skills… respond to the feelings of their peers… experiment with roles” (SOURCE!!!!). The skills that a child can acquire through the simple act of play are essential to their healthy development. Children can “increase their social competence and emotional maturity” by learning to relieve stress and cope with their emotions while playing. For example, a young child can learn that when he is sad he can play with his toys so that d...... middle of paper ......develops gross motor skills by learning to crawl, then walk, then run. In this way, they are developing their big muscles which they get more control over, this happens simply by playing with their peers or family in any way they like. Finally, the author explains how “play helps them build or maintain energy, joint flexibility and muscle strength.” This happens with any type of play that gets a child moving and challenges them to do more. This is the kind of play and development that can help shape how they will be as adults. If a child learns to participate in active play to maintain a healthy body, he or she will most likely continue to exhibit these characteristics as an adult. Works Cited Excerpt from Creative Thinking and Arts-Based Learning Preschool Through Fourth Grade, by JP Isenberg, MR Jalongo, 2006 edition, page. 53-55.