In this article, the authors help teachers see below the surface so that play can be used to help children's learning and communication. A closer and deeper look at play can reveal children's learning of concept development, communication, budding social relationships, and very specific literacy skills. The authors state, that viewing play not just as an activity, but as an expression of thinking, lets adults begin to appreciate how children understand their world, including the world of language. As young children play, they establish important links between action and thought, connections that are the basis of mental processes. Furthermore, they state that, by opening up a new vision of play, educators can foster environments that treasure and value play. Whatever lens is used or viewpoint is taken, the central role of dramatic play remains strong in all learning, particularly language and literacy.