-
Oct 19, 1500
Martin Luther Makes Literacy a Priority
During the mid 16th century, Martin Luther held the torch for literacy, specifically for people learning how to read in their native tongue. He is well known for translating the Bible, which began the revolutionary idea that reading and education could be universal. Today, literacy is of the upmost importance in schools, and there are programs such as Read Across America to promote reading. -
The World of Children
Credited for creating the first picture book for children, John Comenius believed that children learned best by using their senses to investigate the surrounding world. Today, sensory play is still a huge part of early education curriculum, and picture books are a must in every early childhood classroom. -
Tabula Rasa
John Locke's theorized in the late 17th century that a child's mind is a blank slate, and all that child experiences forms his mind. Locke realized that providing a stimulating environment for the child is crucial to their development. Today, early education has proven to increase a child's intellectual, more so than if a child does not attend school. Providing a learning environment at an early age benefits the child not only today but down the road into their adult life. -
Object Lessons
Around late 18th century, a man named Johann Pestalozzi brought education home by writing two books adressing mothers on how to educate young children. He specifically believed in object lessons, which are still found in early education classrooms today. There are also thousands of parenting books available today on how to guide children. -
The Father of Kindergarten
Friedrich Froebel believed that the role of the teacher is to nuture a child's learning based on that child showing the signs of want and will to learn. He also believed that children learned through play and had toys suitable for play and learning. Today, there are still blocks in classrooms to teach about size and shape and songs sung to further promote learning. -
John Dewey and PET
Dewey's theory on center-based activities revolves around engaging activities that are relationship based and mimic life at home. His ideas are the core of early childhood education and his practices are still seen in classrooms today. At the Goddard school, the curriculum revolves around centers, pertaining to the children's interests. -
Cognitive Theory
Jean Piaget, known for his cognitive theory, believed that learning was an innate experience. In other words, the actual child is at the center of the learning experience. His theory evolved into contrsuctivism, in which the child learns through trial and error. Today, the theory of Love and Logic is based on children learning through experimental experiences and learning from the reactions to their actions. -
Multiple Intelligence Theory
Howard Gardner's Mulitple Intelligence Theory suggests that people can be smart and learn in many different ways. Whether it be visual or rhythmic learning, the purpose of the teacher is to nuture each type of learner and learning type through specific activities and experiences.
