Why does children need to play “make believe” to be able to learn to read and write and do math?

why having an imagination is important at school.
Why does children need to play “make believe” to be able to learn to read and write and do math?
why do children need to play to build that skill?
If play is important as you say and as your sources suggest, then please explain how my child will be better academically because of play.
Also, if play is truly that important, then I should be doing more at home to help my child when he’s playing (even if I believe it’s just playing and not important). What can I do at home to help?