The quality of interaction at home determines to a large degree to what extent children"s learning skills are developed by the time formal school starts; school readiness in turn determines to a large extent the measure of success children will achieve in their entire school career and in life. The more successful children are at school, the more worthwhile they feel in themselves, the more likely they are to be resilient and able to face up to the challenges they will face in life. The first 5-6 years of a child"s life are crucial with regard to the development of language and learning skills, resilience, confidence and a positive self-image -- the corner stones of school readiness. Your role in helping your child to prepare for formal schooling is not to teach him to read and write -- it is above all to teach him to learn and to foster in him a love of learning -- to help him to want to learn. To want to learn is infinitely more important than to be taught. Children learn through play -- all play is learning. The more imaginative the play, the more a child will learn. Taking the time to play with your child is a gift to yourself as well as a gift to your child. School readiness through play tells you how to advance your child"s language and learning skills through play, how to exploit your child"s natural enthusiasm, curiosity and energy, and how to create opportunities for confidence building, social and emotional growth, the development of co-ordination, and problem-solving skills. Games provide your child with an easy way to learn while having fun.