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 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.

“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!

If any of these quotes inspire you too, I would love it if you would share them via the share buttons below!

More on Play

For more on the importance of play, check out the post Stop Making Play a Four Letter Word, and then for some free dramatic play printables and ideas check out our Ice Cream Shop and Restaurant!