Why Was Kindergarten First Created?
by Sesame Lane Admin on 24/10/2019 12:27:31 PM
The world’s first kindergarten was opened in 1837 by Friedrich Froebel, an educator in Blankenburg, Germany. In the German language, the word ">kindergarten"> means “garden of children”. This metaphor connotes that children are akin to flowers and plants, growing well when nurtured by gardeners (educators) in a positive environment that meets their needs.
Fascinated? We were, so went on to explore the:
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original founder of kindergarten
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original principles
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fall and rise again of these centres; and
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the benefits of kindergarten today
Who Was the Original Founder of Kindergarten?
Considered to be a visionary in his field at the time, Froebel was one of several progressive education reformers who believed that children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn. Froebel believed that play and exploration of music, art, nature studies, and creative group activities was highly beneficial for social and cognitive development.
While this is a common approach in today’s world, at the time it challenged the widespread belief that children must be ruled with an iron fist. The expression “children should be seen and not heard” is just one of many old English proverbs to that effect.
In fact, it wasn’t until the 16th century that social attitudes towards children began to shift. The concept of “childhood” was introduced, perceiving children as innocent and vulnerable beings, in need of adult guidance and protection.
What are the Original Principles of Kindergarten?
In developing his vision for early childhood education, Froebel drew from the ideas of French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Swiss educator Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi.
Embedded in Froebel’s philosophy is the concept of learning through play. He believed that it provided the necessary foundation for a child’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.
“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood
for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul.”
~ Friedrich Froebel
The three essential elements of kindergarten are:
- Creative play
- Song and dance for healthy activity
- Gardening - to build a connection and awareness of nature through the study and nurture of plants and flowers
Was Kindergarten Successful From the Very Beginning?
While initially well-received by German society, in 1851 the Prussian government mandated the closure of all kindergartens. Froebel’s ideas were considered too radical, and in danger of causing a socialist revolutionary movement that would wreak havoc for the governing body.
Despite this, the concept for kindergarten gained traction in other countries throughout the world, and were reinstated in Germany before the close of the 19th century. By the early 20th century, kindergartens had taken root in Western society, steadily growing in popularity to become the essential cornerstone of early childhood education that it is today.
What are the Benefits of Kindergarten Today?
In 2017 in Queensland alone, there were approximately 62,000 children (aged 3 to 6 years) enrolled in kindergarten programs throughout the state.
It’s clear that Kindergarten today is an important part of how we guide and educate our children. For parents, it’s very reassuring to know that their children are in a positive and supportive environment while they’re away at work.
Kindergarten is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn and develop, and to experience diverse social interaction. The numerous benefits to your child include:
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Learning in a fun, stimulating environment
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Having new experiences
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Encouragement to explore, discover, and satisfy curiosity
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Making friends and engaging in positive interactions
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Improved language and cognitive skills
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Social and emotional development
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And so much more
At Sesame Lane Care & Kindergarten, we prioritise providing children with a happy, healthy learning experience. In the spirit of Froebel’s founding kindergarten, our daily activity is based around creative playtime and exploration, including:
Our teachers and staff work together to provide a caring and nurturing environment that helps children to shine brightly and realise their individual potential.