“You see a child play, and it is so close to seeing an artist paint. For in play a child says things without uttering a word. You can see how (he or she) solves problems…Young children,  especially, have enormous creativity, and whatever’s in them rises to the surface in free play.”

Eric Erickson, 1902-1994

German-American developmental psychologist, known for his theory describing the eight stages of human development.

“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.”

Fredrich Foebel, 1782-1852.

German-born pedagogue who created the concept of the “kindergarten.” Foebel’s work laid the foundation for modern education.

“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.”

Maria Montessori, 1870-1952

Italian physician and educator who developed the Montessori Method of teaching.

“Play is the work of childhood.”

Jean Piaget, 1896-1980

Swiss-born developmental psychologist known for theories on how children learn through hands-on experience and sensory exploration.