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John Comenius and Orbis Pictus
John Comenius published what is considered to be the first picture book for children, Orbis Pictus. He believed that education should start early and that the best way to teach was through the sensory education. Many of his ideas about how and when to teach children have influenced modern early childhood education. -
Robert Owen and the first Infant School
Robert Owen was a Utopian who believed that it was possible to create a better society by controlling the environments in which children are raised. He started the first Infant School in New Lanark, Scotland in 1816. His ideas about the connection between societal goals and good education are still relevant in today's world. -
Friedrich Froebel and the first Kindergarten
Friedrich Froebel created the concept of kindergarten and equated teaching to gardening. He believed teachers were responsible for planting the seeds of education and tending to the natural "unfolding" of children like flowers. Froebel opened the first kindergarten and believed that children learned best through play and self activity with the guidance of a teacher. We still use his kindergarten model to this day as well as his ideas of learning through play. -
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Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori was the first woman in Italy to earn a medical degree and she believed that education could help children with physical and mental disabilities. Her focus was on sensory learning and controlled environments, much like her predecessors, but she also believed that the foundation for good education was based in respect for the students. Her ideas about education are still used today, as shown by thousands of Montessori schools and programs. -
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow created the theory of self-actualization. He theorized that self fulfillment could not be achieved unless basic needs, including life essentials, safety and security, belonging and love, achievement and prestige, and aesthetic needs were covered. Maslow believed that one of the main roles of both parents and educators was to help each child with those needs in order for the child to be able to self actualize. His theories are still taught in both education and psychology classes. -
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects the constitutional rights of individuals in public facilities, including schools. While this Act is not specific to education, it laid the groundwork for all Americans, regardless of race, religion, and gender, to receive a quality, unbiased education. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was created to help fund the education of children in public schools. This Act helped low income students in particular by providing funding for school lunches and after school programs. The ESEA took us one step further towards a society where all students have their basic needs met and are able to receive a quality education. -
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Education of all Handicapped Children Act
The original Act required all schools to provide equal education to children with disabilities in order to receive funding. This Act was updated in 1990 and was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The updated bill includes requirements for universal design, or the idea of making classrooms accessible to all children, regardless of disability. This paved the way for a more inclusive classroom and a better education for children with disabilities.