Why Play?

I've been scanning youtube lately and have come across a few videos I think explain why I focus on a play-based curriculum, attempting to create what is known in the early childhood community as a "developmentally appropriate practice"...these films explain some of the basic concepts

Developmentally Appropriate Early Childhood Environments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-h4IHIqkcc&feature=related

All They Do is Play...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75Kan48OftU&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktz_28vP_Jo&feature=channel