Adventurous play, especially when conducted outdoors, was associated with reduced anxiety and depression in children.
The combination of physical activity and social interactions children experience during recess helps reduce stress and improve focus back in the classroom.
Study reports play-based learning may positively impact a young child's acquisition of math skills compared to direct teaching.
Researchers say letting infants play with everyday items within their environment can help them learn and develop.
A newly developed play therapy platform is helping older adults with dementia improve a range of flagging cognitive skills from concentration to memory.
Playing with dolls as a small child helps develop social skills and empathy. Doll play activates the posterior superior temporal sulcus, an area of the brain associated with social processing and behaviors.
Researchers detect measurable similarities in brain activity between babies and adults during play.
Toddlers who had more exposure to other children were better at associating new words to objects than those who had more exposure to adults alone.
A new study reveals birds can learn how to use objects to solve tasks by first playing with them.
Contrary to popular belief, exposing children to stimuli early can help to boost their development, researchers report.
Researchers report children who indulge in fantasy play could have a benefit when it comes to creative thinking.
Researchers report exclusive breastfeeding until the age of six months is associated with fewer conduct disorders in later childhood. Additionally, enriched play can help enhance cognition.
