There are numerous theories of play and countless theorists, from Freud and Spencer to Piaget and Vygotsky, who have studied play in relation to what it is and what it does for the child. This essay will outline the definition and value of play and the importance of how it can benefit a child's learning compared to these theorists who have studied its effects in great detail. We will discuss how environments constructed by educators can impact play and learning theories related to the quote “play and learning are inextricably woven together…” Ebbeck and Waniganayake, 2010, p. 5).Who defines what the game is? Reed and Brown suggest that play is something that is felt (2000, as cited in Jarvis et al, 2009), while Piaget (1962), Bruner (1974) and Vygotsky (1978) see play as “a means of learning” (ibid). Gaming is what we do in our free time and is generally fun; the fun element is what keeps us engaged. This essay will discuss forms of play and their relevance and will focus primarily on children aged 3-6, but on some occasions may refer to "we" or "us" as people (infants, children and adults). When learning a new instrument, comments may arise such as, "I'm just playing with the strings." The key word “play” is the self-motivation that occurs when people enjoy what they are learning. By playing with the strings of a guitar the child will get used to the sounds and feel of the instrument to be able to start playing the strings. Einstein believed that “play [was, and still is] the highest form of inquiry” (as cited in Else, 2009, p.6). Else articulates play as “a process… flexible, curious and creative” (2009, p.7). We have the need to discover something new and become curious. It's about... half of the paper... early childhood education: learning in different contexts. China: Sheck Wah Tong Printing Press ltd. Else, P. (2009). The value of the game. London: Continuum International. Jarvis, P., Brock, A. & Brown, F. (2009). Three perspectives on the game. In A. Brock, P. Jarvis, & Y. Olusoga (Eds.). Perspectives on gaming: Learning for life. Harlow, England: Pearson Education. Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Wāriki: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington: Learning Media Ltd. Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand curriculum: for the teaching and learning of English medium in Years 1-13. Wellington: Learning Media Ltd. Stephen, C. (2010). Pedagogy: the silent partner in early years learning. Early Years, 30(1), 15-28. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. Wood, E., & Attfield, J. (2005). Play, learning, and the early childhood curriculum. London: Paul Chapman Publishing.