Bringing the Froebel Approach to your Early Years Practice

by Helen Tovey

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the kindergarten and the influence of Froebel on early years practice? What did Froebel mean by a garden for children? Why did he believe that play is central in young children’s learning?

Bringing the Froebel Approach to your Early Years Practice looks at the founder of the kindergarten and his profound influence on provision and practice for young children today. The Froebelian approach is not a method but includes distinctive principles which shape and guide practice.

This new edition has been fully updated in line with the revised EYFS and includes:

extra material on using the approach with children of different ages and the role of the adult

a discussion of key Froebelian principles such as play, imagination, creativity, learning through self-activity and making connections

an examination of block play and how this can be developed in contemporary settings

Froebel’s ideas on nature and outdoor play and why these are fundamental to young children’s learning

how Froebel used movement, song, rhythm and rhyme to provide key learning experiences

With examples of innovative practice and ideas for reflection, this convenient guide will help practitioners and students fully understand what the Froebel approach can offer their setting and children.

141 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2011

Reviews

[Lynne Driedger-enns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Froebel, children worked in salt mines and factories. Froebel grew up in the forests of Thuringer Germany - playing in the garden often alone - yet happy and curious. He named his first school Kindergarten - the child's garden. Nature - play - gifts - blocks... these things that are such a normal part of a Canadian child's experience today were given first importance by Froebel in the early 1800's in Germany. This book gives a lovely whole picture of his theories. Its one I keep visible on a shelf I walk by often - up in our loft where I do yoga - just by looking at it I am reminded to play - be curious - go outside with children - This book is with me as I think about who I will be as a grandma to my first grand-daughter.