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Period: 1483 to 1546
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a founding father in the history of Early Childhood Education. He was an advocate for teaching children to read in their own language. By translating the Bible from Latin to vernacular language, children and adults were then able to begin their education through reading. Reading is the foundation for learning, and Luther got the ball rolling on universal education. -
Period: to
John Comenius
Sensory play as a means to learning can be seen in every childcare facility. It is so important that children learn with sensory play, and learn how to use their senses in the real world. Comenius is a founding father to sensory learning. He is the author of "Orbis Pictus", which was the very first picture book for children. Picture books are used today all over because they cause children to use their eyes to create stories, allowing for imagination to create a positive learning environment. -
Period: to
Johann Pestalozzi
Pestalozzi created the idea of home schooling for children. He believed that the mother can best teach the child, therefore the birth of home schooling occurred. This was a major milestone in ECE history because it showed that it takes more than just school or a teacher to create the best learning environment for children. -
Period: to
Robert Owen
Robert Owen aided Early Childhood Education by implementing the idea of infant programs. He believed that education begins early in life, and is based on sensory impressions. Without this thought process, we may not believe that learning in infancy is as important as it is in development and education. Understanding this idea is crucial to child's overall education. -
Period: to
Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori has had a huge impact on ECE. She is the founding mother of the Montessori method. This method is used today and you can find Montessori schools all over. She believed that education comes from sensory based learning. She was also and advocate in establishing respect for children in the learning environment, and her methods and beliefs have been successful in the world of early childhood education. -
Period: to
Jean Piaget
Piaget created the theory of cognitive development that has been used as a tool to help understand how children develop. It is based on the ideal that children develop their own intelligence. Piaget's theory has created a sense of involvement for teachers in children's learning through a deeper understanding of how they grow at all ages and stages. -
Period: to
Abraham Maslow
Maslow created the theory of self-actualization based on children's needs. This theory is an important milestone in ECE history because it was the beginning of the self-esteem movement. Development of positive self-esteem among children is so important to maintain a positive learning environment. Teachers can do this by meeting the basic needs of every individual child. -
Period: to
Urie Bronfenbrenner
Bronfenbrenner created a theory that shows how a child's relationship with their environment is key in their development. There are five systems in this theory that all interact with one another. Because they all interact with one another, teachers and parents are becoming increasingly more aware of how external and internal influences can affect a child's development. The practice of maintaining a positive environment is used every day in the education system.