Young children learn best through play that is relevant and meaningful to their life, not through direct instruction, drill work, flashcards, or screen time. We have seen a societal trend in which young children are spending more time indoors in front of a screen at home and more time learning indoors during adult-directed, academic-focused tasks in preschool. Technology and early academic expectations are creating a new kind of childhood for children being raised in the 21st century. Early childhood providers need to consider the ramifications of raising young children with developing brains and bodies in the unnatural absence of true play. While it is true that change is inevitable from generation to generation, the question we must pose and then answer is this: Is true play worth preserving? Join Cari as she discusses the power of play-based learning in a high-tech world.