This article describes how the author's infant son enthusiastically played with buttons from the age of 5 months to his first birthday. The article details his play routines and how they changed over time. It draws on recent neurological research about how the brain grows to argue that this play provided the foundation for her son's cognitive and emotional growth and development. The article then examines how the brain functions and demonstrates how the infant's play helped him learn how to learn. Next, the article discusses the role of emotions in learning and how the button jar may have facilitated her son's emotional development. Finally, the article lists guidelines to facilitate infants' cognitive and emotional growth and enhance learning potential; and notes implications for Reading Recovery teachers, including a list of suggestions. (SR)