Play is so important in the life of a child. The play shouldn’t stop when they begin school. In fact, play should occur in our classrooms and within our school walls as much as possible! These inspiring quotes about play are some of my favorites and remind me of just how important play is.
*For even more teacher tips and how to create a playful learning environment in your classroom, be sure to join us in P.L.A.Y. (Playful Learning All Year)!
Inspiring Quotes About Play
“It is a happy talent to know how to play.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” – Kay Redfield Jamison
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” – Carl Jung
“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” – Diane Ackerman
“A child loves his play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard.” – Benjamin Spock
“Play is the work of the child.” – Maria Montessori
“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.” – Abraham Maslow
“Necessity may be the mother of invention, but play is certainly the father.” – Roger Von Oech
“Children learn as they play. More importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson
“When children pretend, they’re using their imaginations to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick can be a magic wand. A sock can be a puppet. A small child can be a superhero.” – Fred Rogers
Do you have a favorite quote about the importance of play? Is it mentioned here?
My favorite is the quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It is a happy talent to know how to play.” I think too often play ends too soon and we forget that play is a good thing and something to treasure! Children learn so much through play that we should not restrict it, but embrace it and incorporate it into our day as much as possible!
I’m so passionate about play in the classroom that I have an amazing FREEBIE for you today… 3 colorful prints of my favorite playful quotes!
Grab Your Free PLAYFUL Prints
If any of these quotes inspire you too, be sure to grab your FREE copy of 3 of my favorite quotes about play turned into fun prints just for you. Get them now by clicking the large, yellow download button at the end of the post!
Want to stress less and learn more about how to create a “Playful Learning” environment?
(even if you “aren’t allowed to play”)
If you want to incorporate playful learning, free-flowing centers, routines, and more in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom, then you will want to be sure to join me in P.L.A.Y. (Playful Learning All Year)!
This course is a deep dive into practical ways that you can create a playful learning environment in your classroom!
It’s going to be awesome (you can check out more about it HERE) and I can’t wait to learn together when the virtual doors open.
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Thank you! Sometimes at the end of the day, I think that I’ve “played ” for most of the day! Teaching is challenging and so much fun (most of the time) ! Seeing a student enjoy learning and making connections is the very best day for me!
Hi Sandra,
What a wonderful teacher you are! Your students are very lucky to have you. I hope the rest of your school year goes well!
I love these quotes . I have published some of them in my Pinterest .
Great quotes
I also believe that play is vital in early years. Here is another great quote – “The opposite of play isn’t work; it’s depression.” – Play theorist, Brian Sutton-Smith.
WOW! I love it! 🙂
I LOVE these quotes Alex! Though they are all great, my favorite out of these is “Play is the work of a child.” I already pinned that one as well! Teehee! It is so important to remember that young children need this outlet at home and at school. They learn so much through play and it is natural for them to explore life and social conventions though play. Thanks for sharing such an inspiring post!
Suzanne
They do definitely need to play both and home and at school. You are right that it is natural to them to want to explore. Thanks so much for taking the time to read the quotes! 🙂
What a great collection of quotes to remind us what we do what we do! One more I like from Albert Einstein is, “Play is the highest form of research.” My students inspire me with their continual discoveries!
Christy,
Love that quote! Thank you for sharing. It’s amazing how much we learn from our students every day. 🙂