The purpose of this presentation is to focus on the unique benefits of free play with open-ended materials in childhood. This is important given the fact that children have limited opportunities for free play in and outside of school (Gray, 2011; Yang et al., 2025). I utilize research collected through observations of free play at a nature-based early childhood program, coupled with the CASEL framework (2020), to demonstrate how free play is positioned to foster self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness, and relationship skills. I explain why focusing on socio-emotional wellbeing is critical in today's mental health landscape (CDC, 2024; WHO, 2025).
