Description
Book SynopsisThis book considers Friedrich Froebel''s work and ideas in the light of the continuing debate over methods of primary education, raising the old conflict between child-centred and traditional education; concern about the role of teacher in the classroom; and the renewed challenge of ''play'' as a tool of education. To Froebel, play provided the means for a child''s intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. Froebel believed that the education of a child began at birth, and that parents and teachers played a crucial role in helping children in this activity. ''Play is a mirror of life'' - he wrote, leading to self discipline and respect for law and order. The events of Froebel''s life are carefully documented in A Child''s Work, together with their influence on his ideas and their spread. The author shows how the early death of Froebel''s mother and a home lacking in love were to provide the impetus behind one of Froebel''s overriding aims: the fostering of family life. T
Trade ReviewA modern look back at the life of one of history's most influential educational theorists, Friedrich Froebel -- inventor of kindergarten. Author Joachim Liebschner is a former librarian/archivist of the Froebel archive at Roehampton College in Surrey, London, England. Liebschner discovered new sources during his own travels to Froebel's home land (in what was then still communist East Germany). This book provides new insights into Froebel's motivations and his efforts to establish early childhood education for the world. This biography also features modern translations of Froebel's original German text. A well-written and valuable resource for those studying the origins of preschool education. Scott W. Bultman
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Froebel's Life The Origins of Frobel's Philosophical and Educational Ideas How Froebel's Ideas of Play Changed in his Life-time and How they compare with those of Other Educators and Philosophers Freedom and Sensitivity in Education The Gifts The Movement Games and Occupations The Mother Songs Criticism of Froebel's Work, Then and Now Froebel's Greatest Contribution to Educational Thinking Bibliography Index
