A new study finds that growing up in a house full of books is a major boost to literacy and numeracy. Books in the home are an integral part of routines and practices that enhance lifelong learning. 

A child who is knitting a hat or a toy kitten sees their will transformed into art. They see their focused, detailed work turn into something beautiful and purpose-filled. They experience how the conceptual becomes concrete.

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends pediatricians write a prescription "for play" to children at well visits.