Gosia Harper. Early Childchood Education History Timeline

  • Period: 1483 to 1546

    Martin Luther

    Translated the Bible to native language making it possible for people to be educated in their own language. Advocated establishing schools to teach children how to read.
  • Period: to

    John Comenius

    Wrote first picture book for kids, thought that early experiences would determine what a child would be like, stated that education should occur through senses.
  • Period: to

    John Locke

    Thought that children are born as "tabula rasa", blank tablets, and the experiences determine who they become as adults. Therefore learning should start as early as possible.
  • Period: to

    Johann Pestalozzi

    Stated that education should fallow the course of nature. He believed that all education is based on sensory impressions. Thought that a mother is the best teacher.
  • Period: to

    Robert Owen

    Believed that environment determines children's beliefs, behaviors, and achievements. Thought that society can shape children's character. Stated that education can help build a new society.
  • Period: to

    Friedriech Froebel

    Compared children to growing plants. Founded the kindergarten (the "Garden of Children"). Developed "gifts" and "occupations" to help children learn. Believed that children should learn through play.
  • Idea of universal preschool in the United States.

    The Infant Society of Boston submitted the petition to incorporate infant schools into Boston Public Schools.
  • Period: to

    John Dewey

    Promoted Progressive Education Movement. Believed that children should be educated for today not tomorrow. Thought that children interests should be the basis for curriculum.
  • Period: to

    Maria Montessori

    Created the Montessori method for educating young children. Believed that all knowledge comes from sensory experiences. Highlighted that learning materials have to meet the needs of young children. Stated that prepared environments with sensory based materials are essential for learning. Above all believed that respect for children is a foundation of teaching.
  • Period: to

    Jean Piaget

    Created a theory of cognitive development based on ages and stages. Believed that children are little "scientists" and create their own intelligence. Mental and physical activities are important for cognitive development. Believed in project approach to learning.
  • Period: to

    Lev Vygotsky

    Author of Sociocultural Theory, that emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships in cognitive and social development. Developed the concept of zone of proximal development, which meant that children could learn more with the assistance of a more competent person. Believed that communication between teachers and children can act as a bridge to higher levels of learning.
  • Period: to

    Erik Erikson

    Believed that cognitive development occurs in conjunction with social development (theory of psychosocial development). Believed that life is a series of eight stages with each stages representing a critical period in social development. Thought that the way the parents and teachers communicate and care for children helps determine their emotional and cognitive development.
  • Period: to

    Abraham Maslow

    Author of theory of self - actualization based on needs motivation. Believed that human development is a process of meeting basic needs throughout life.
  • Period: to

    Urie Bronfenbrenner

    Believed in ecological system theory that viewed children developing within a system of relationships. Highlighted that development is influenced by children and their environments. Believed that five interrelating systems (microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem) have powerful impact on development.
  • Howard Gardner

    Author of theory of multiple intelligences that consists of nine abilities. Believed that intelligence is a set of abilities.
  • Launch of Sputnik

    The race for world superiority created the idea that education is a nationalistic imperative. The world wide race for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics resulted in scientific discoveries that impact the way we see education.
  • The Civil Rights Act

    Created a protection of civil rights in public facilities including public education. 1972 amendments stated equal opportunity in sports for all women.
  • The Economic Opportunity Act

    Implemented social programs to promote the health, education, and general welfare of people with low socioeconomic status.
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    Fully fund primary and secondary education. Helps educate children from low income families. Funds are used to provide additional academic support and learning opportunities.
  • The Education of all Handiccapped Children Act

    In order to receive federal funds states must develop and implement policies that ensure free public education for all children with disabilities.
  • Magda Gerber

    Founded Resources for Infant Educarers. Developed a revolutionary philosophy of infant care based on treating infants with respect and trust in their abilities to develop naturally in their own pace.
  • The Individuals with Disabilities Act

    Making sure that classroom environment and curriculum are accessible to all children.
  • No Child Left Behind Act

    Specified standards and testing for what all children suppose to know and do. Provides federal funding for schools with the highest scores in testing.