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1500
Martin Luther
In the 1500's Martin Luther (pictured above) introduced the
concept of teaching kids how to read at a school that served that
purpose. Luther believed that if people could read it would bring
them closer to their religion and they would be able to read the
Bible. -
John Amos Comenius
Known as the Father of Modern Education and was the first to recognize that the play of childhood was learning, produced the first children's picture book, "The World Illustrated". -
John Locke
His environmentalism theory suggested that what goes on around children and what they go through is where their knowledge comes from. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
In the mid 1700's the concept of naturalism was brought to light by
Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Naturalism is a process for children to
learn at their own pace in a natural, and comfortable setting. This
would impact early childhood today by how the surroundings in the
classroom would look: a lot of windows for natural light, bright
colors, soft places to sit, and possibly a class pet. -
Mary Wollstonecraft
Believed educating women and people in general would improve society. The impact this would have on early childhood education would be the Head Start program and similar programs to help educate low income families and especially women. -
Johann Pestalozzi
Established what is considered to the first school to teach preschool age children. -
Margarethe Schurz
Started the first kindergarten in the United States. This school impacted early childhood education by opening the door to an education for America's young children. -
Sputnik
In 1958 after Sputnik went into space, it prompted the United
States to offer a better education to its children in the subjects of
math, science, technology, and engineering. -
Head Start
Is funded by the Economic Opportunities Act. -
No Child Left Behind Act
Bill is passed