Friedrich Froebel (1782–1852)

Abstract

Friedrich Froebel was a German pedagogue working at the dawn of the nineteenth century and best known as the architect of kindergarten, in both design and name. Trained by Johann Pestalozzi and influenced by Jean Jacques Rousseau, Froebel helped to lay the foundation for modern education with his educational tome, Education of Man (1826). His writings have influenced how childhood is viewed and valued as he emphasized the unique needs and capabilities of young children. He advocated for a child-centered approach to learning and that play was fundamental in supporting children’s learning and development. He introduced the gifts (block play) and occupations (hands-on activities and songs), which were designed to support children’s autonomous learning, and remain key activities in contemporary early childhood education. At a time when women could not vote, Froebel advocated for women by championing their intellect and for their right to work outside the home as teachers of young children. He created training centers and supported women’s role in education as necessary. This led to women becoming agents of change for their gender, which ultimately led to female access to capital, informal and formal female networks, and a measure of authority. Ultimately, Friedrich Froebel is a chief architect of modern early childhood education and, almost 200 years later, his contributions remain present in early childhood classrooms.