How does child-led play develop the brain?

How does child-led play develop the brain? Experiences wire the brain, repetition strengthens the wiring. What type of experiences? Child-led play experiences. What type of repetition? Child-led repetition. How does this all work? Read an excerpt from my book, The Whole Child Alphabet, that provides more detail.

"Understanding how the brain develops is a critical component in overall child development along with language and literacy. Speaking in layperson’s terms, interactive experiences make connections and wire the brain. Repetition of those experiences strengthens that wiring.

Knowing this reinforces the fact that authentic, child-led play is vital to devel- opment. Plainly said, without play, children’s brains cannot develop fully. What more effective way for children to have interactive experiences, than through play? How better to let them respond to what their brains are telling them they need, than by creating an environment that encourages them to lead their play? And when it comes to designing a space that is conducive to repeating actions as needed, what beats child-led play? The answer is nothing. Absolutely nothing is better than child-led play when it comes to a child’s development."