Friedrich Froebel came up with the name ‘kindergarten’ – the children’s garden – while walking over the mountains in Keilhau, Germany, where he grew up. His ideas, which were revolutionary at the time, were based on the premise that children learn best through play and first-hand experiences. Today, his principles are so embedded in early years practice and provision that he is often not recognised as a pioneer in his own right.
He invented objects and activities for children to play with, known as Gifts and Occupations, which are today associated with block play; playing with natural materials such as sand, water and clay; planting and harvesting fruit and vegetables; cooking from scratch; and using real tools.
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