Quintilian [educational writer in Rome around A.D. 100]…
“Quintilian [educational writer in Rome around A.D. 100] thought that the earliest years of the child's life were crucial. Education should start earlier than age seven, within the family. It should not be so hard as to give the child an aversion to learning. Rather, these early lessons would take the form of play--that embryonic notion of kindergarten.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Early learning should be playful and gentle to foster love of learning, not fear.
In simple terms: Playful early education builds lifelong love of learning.
Introduce learning through play early.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting
- preschool curriculum
- home activities
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can play be balanced with structure?
- What signs show a child’s learning aversion?
Play alone may not address deeper cognitive needs.