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. Table of Contents 1. An introduction to a Froebelian approach. 2. Friedrich Froebel, his life and his ideas. 3. A Froebelian approach to play and learning. 4. An environment for living and learning. 5. Resources and how they are used. 6. The nursery garden and play outdoors. 7. The wider world of people and places. 8. Block play. 9. Movement, song, rhythm and rhyme. 10. Adult roles and relationships. Appendix 1: Key principles underpinning a Froebelian approach Appendix 2: Further information about Froebel and a Froebelian approach About the Author/Editor Helen Tovey is a former Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Roehampton, UK. She is a Froebel trained nursery teacher and previous headteacher of an inner city nursery school. |