Play: One of the most important factors in a child’s development | MSU Extension

Play: One of the most important factors in a child’s development | MSU Extension: The previous two articles in this series by Michigan State University Extension focused on children playing and learning in nature. Research proves there are positive effects of nature on children and their overall well-being. Nature can be attributed to creativity, better cognitive skills, lower obesity rates and a whole host of other beneficial reasons doctors are actually prescribing “time in nature” to their patients. In addition, recent studies indicate that not only nature, but letting children have free play has a big impact on their overall health by what educators call executive function.