Emphasis on educational play We learn best by doing, and by engaging as many of our senses and strengths as possible. If the activities are fun, learning is easy. Children also need free play in order to digest information they have been exposed to, practice life skills, and learn to navigate social interactions with peers. If we build a varied and strong foundation, future learning is easier, and we come to perceive ourselves as smart and capable. Those who perceive themselves as smart and capable have better educational and vocational outcomes than those who do not, despite equal measured intelligence.