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Martin Luther translated the bible from Latin to vernacular language. This event allowed common people to read the bible in their own language. He also advocated for establishing schools for children to learn how to read. His contributions allowed for the common person to become educated and for children to receive an education. His ideas influenced universal education, adult literacy, teaching children to read, and public support for education.
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John Comenius wrote the first picture book for children. He believed that early experiences help define what children will be like and said that education should be learned through the senses. His beliefs helped to inspire the later theories such as sensory experiences support and promote learning and that learning at a young age leads to later success.
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Owen developed the theory that environment determines children's beliefs, behaviors, and achievements. He also believed that society can shape children's character and that education can shape society. In 1818 he opened the first infant school in London. His beliefs influenced the ideas of importance of infant programs and the belief that education can counter-act children's poor environment.
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John Dewey was behind the progressive education movement and believed curriculum should be based on children's interests. His ideas inspired the creation of discovery learning and child-centered education.
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Maria created the Montessori method for teaching young children. She believed that learning materials needed to meet the needs of young children and that prepared environments are essential for learning. Her beliefs led to the creation of Montessori schools and renewed the emphasis on preparing an environment that supported and promoted children's learning.
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Piaget created the theory of cognitive development based on ages and stages of children. He also promoted the idea that mental and physical activities are important for cognitive development. His beliefs led to the practice of matching education to children's stages of development.
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Uri believed that children develop within a system of relationships with five interrelating systems. He also developed the idea that development is based on children's environments. These developments led to the practice of parents and teachers striving to provide positive influences in each system the child is in and that the children's development greatly depends on the environment they are in.
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Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences and the theory that intelligence is a set of abilities and not just one broad ability. These theories later led to teachers developing curriculum based on children's abilities and teachers becoming more aware of the multiple ways children learn.
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All ideas in this slideshow were taken from our text book
Morrison, G. F. (n.d.) Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education. Pearson Education Inc. (United States). p. 73-75.