The principles and practice of one of the most influential thinkers on early childhood are outlined by Froebel scholar and early years writer Tina Bruce.

It is amazing how, nowadays, few practitioners seem to know much about the pioneering work of Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852), and yet he remains one of the greatest and most positive influences on the education and care of young children and their families. How could that be?

He was born on the same day as my husband, and on the Queen's official birthday, 21 April, in the Thuringian Forest of former East Germany. He was a year old when his mother died, leaving six children, of whom Froebel was the youngest. His father was a stern pastor. His stepmother rejected the toddler once her own child was born.

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