THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY FOR CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Abstract

This article proposes a reflection on the importance of play in Early Childhood Education, highlighting its contribution to the child's integral development. Childhood is a phase marked by discoveries, experiments and learning that occur intensely and continuously. In this process, play emerges as a central element in the way children interact with the world, learn and express feelings, desires and thoughts. The Early Childhood Education space, therefore, must recognize and value play not as a secondary resource, but as a structuring basis for pedagogical practice. The research is limited to the analysis of how playful practices are understood and applied in the educational context, considering the value of play as a pedagogical instrument. The main objective is to reflect on the role of play in the teaching-learning process, with an emphasis on theoretical foundations, benefits for child development and the role of the educator. The research is bibliographic in nature, with a qualitative approach, based on authors in the field of education and official documents. The results indicate that play promotes meaningful learning and social and emotional development, and that its effectiveness depends on planning and pedagogical intentionality. The final proposal is to encourage a teaching practice that recognizes play as an essential part of the Early Childhood Education curriculum.