Early Childhood Education History Timeline

By mfish
  • Jan 1, 1483

    Martin Luther (1483-1546)

    Martin Luther thought it was important to have schools that taught children how to read. People learned the Bible in their native language. It's a struggle today to make sure that every child can read their own native language. (75)
  • John Amos Comenius (1592-1670)

    He was a teacher and wrote text books as well. The World in Pictures was considered to be the first children's picture book. He believed education was key at a young age, and that everything should be taught through senses. (75)
  • John Locke (1632-1704)

    He thought a child's mind started as a blank slate. Development comes from experiences in their evnironment. (76) John Locke wanted early education to give children a good start from early on in their lives. (76)
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

    He wanted a bare or more normal and organic education for younger children. He wanted children to grow without any restraints. (76)
  • Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827)

    He believed education was based on sensory information. He encouraged any activities using senses to learn. (77)
  • Robert Owen (1771-1858)

    He thought that the environment a child was in is what impacted their education. It affected their beliefs and how they behaved and interacted with others around them. Owen believed in a perfect society, and even opened up a daycare or "infant school." (78)
  • Friedrich Wilhelm Froebel (1782-1852)

    Known as the "Father of kindergarten." (78) He believed in unfolding which is defined as "the nature of children, who and what they will be, unfolds as a result of development according to their innate timetables." (78)
  • John Dewey (1859-1952)

    Dewey had a theory of schooling called progressivism which focuses on children's interests much more than just subject matter. He believed in child centered curriculum and school. (80)