-
Period: 1483 to 1546
Martin Luther
Luther translated the Bible from Latin. This allowed people to learn in their own language. Luther was also an advocate for children's education, and teaching children to read. From this we have universal education, adult literacy, and we teach children to read. -
Period: to
John Comenius
Comenius created the first child's picture book. Comenius also advocated for early childhood education, he believed that children should begin their education at a young age. Comenius also believed in sensory education, he believed that children learn best through using their senses. These tools and beliefs are still used in classrooms today. If you walk into a early childhood classroom you will find picture books, and children learning with their senses. -
Period: to
Johann Pestalozzi
Pestalozzi also believed in sensory impressions, he believed in learning with your senses to reach your natural potential. Pestalozzi believed in using Object Lessons, these lessons encouraged activates like counting. Pestalozzi also wrote a book for parents on how to teach their children at home. From this we now have family centered approaches to education, and home schooling. -
Period: to
Robert Owen
Owen opened up the first infant school for ages 18 months to ten years. He believed that education could change society for the better, especially early childhood education. he believed that their was a link between education and society. As a teacher you control this relationship, you can change society though your teaching and education. Because of Owen we know the importance of infant programs as well as the importance of the education and society relationship. -
Period: to
Friedrich Froebel
Froebel is the founder of kindergarten (garden of children). Froebel often compared children to growing plants and teachers to gardeners. He believed children needed to learn though play. Froebel created "gifts" and "occupations" these gifts were toys, games, songs... etc.. that he gave to children to help them learn. These "gifts" and "occupations" are still used in classrooms today. -
Period: to
John Dewey
Dewey advocated for Progressive education movement. He believed that children's interests should set the curriculum. Dewey also believed in educating today, not tomorrow. From Dewey we have Child centered education, and discovery learning. -
Period: to
Maria Montessori
Montessori is the creator of the Montessori method of education. she believed in using learning materials to meet children's needs. she believed in sensory based materials that are self correcting. from Montessori we now have thousands of centers that use the Montessori method, we have teacher training, and have prepared environments to support children's education. -
Period: to
Marie Clay
Clay became a leader in the study of children's literacy. Her methods of teaching reading and written language have become popular in the united states. "The structure of the program calls for close observation of the student by the teacher to design lessons that constantly build on what a child already knows and taking them to the next level." Clay believed children should be encouraged to read though books that are of interest to them, as well as be in a language rich environment.