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Jan 1, 1483
Early Childhood Education
Martin Luther translated the Bible from Latin to a universal language. He also advocated that schools should teach children how to read. This influenced universal education, adult literacy, and a public support of education. -
Period: Jan 1, 1483 to
Contributions to Early Childhood Education
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Early Experiences
John Comenius created that first picture book for children, Orbis Pictus. He thought early experiencs were what shaped a child and formed their success. Education should occur through the senses and teaching and learning should be based on levels from easy to difficult. -
Natural Learning
Johann Pestalozzi believed that learning should follow the course of nature and the the mother could best teach the child. These ideas influenced family centered approaches. This also helped the idea that children can best express their thoughts through drawing and writing. The motherly teaching also helped create the idea of homeschooling. -
Garden of Children
Friedrich Froebel believed that children develop through "unfolding" and he compared them to growing plants which led to the idea that the teacher's role is similiar to a gardener. He founded the Kindergarten which he called the "garden of children" where children should have specific materials to learn concepts and skills. He also believed believed children should learn through play. -
Curriculum
John Dewey promoted a progressive education movement. He believed that children should be the center of education and that the curriculum should be based on the child's interests. Children should be educated for today, not tomorrow. -
Sensory Learning
Maria Montessori created a new method known as the "Montessori method" for educating young children. This introduced a way of learning from sensory experiences which created a renewed emphasis on preparing learning environments to support and promote a child's learning. -
Little Scientists
Jean Piaget created the theory that cognitive development was based on ages and stages. This led to a contructive approach to early childhood education which matched education to children's stages of cognitive development. She considered children to be "little scientists" who develop their own inteligience. Children should be active in their learning! -
Basic Needs
Abraham Maslow believed that a child's basic needs should be met before learning can occur. This led to teacher's creating programs a child's basic needs. Human growth and development is a process of meeting basic needs throughout life. Maslow put an emphasis on providing safety, security, love, and affection for all children. -
Ecological Theory
Urie Bronfebrenner proposed a theory that looks at a child's development within the context of the system's of relationships that form their environment. Each system within the theory influences and is influenced by the other. Clearly there are many influences of a child's devlopment and Bronfenbrenner wanted parents and teachers to tp recognize that a child's development depends on a positive environment. -
Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner has played an important role in helping educators understand the concept of intelligience. Gardner believes that people have "multiple intelligiences" and can be smart in more than one way. This view of intelligience and it;s multiple concepts continues to influence educational thought processes.
