Nursery World - Turn ideals to practical study

By Opal Dunn, early years language expert and author Our early years education has its roots in Froebel's philosophy of education. Our first kindergartens were based on Froebel's ideas introduced in the 1850s. In the 1930s and directly after World War II, Froebel education - synonymous with play, learning through discovery, and creativity - was considered the best early years practice. It aimed to develop the 'whole child 'in harmony with their environment.

Our early years education has its roots in Froebel's philosophy of education. Our first kindergartens were based on Froebel's ideas introduced in the 1850s. In the 1930s and directly after World War II, Froebel education - synonymous with play, learning through discovery, and creativity - was considered the best early years practice. It aimed to develop the 'whole child 'in harmony with their environment.

As someone who was fortunate to attend a Froebel primary school, be initially trained at the famous Froebel Institute, and spend the first two influential work years teaching and training students at the Froebel Institute Demonstration School, I am concerned that, in the current drive to expand the sector, we are not including sufficient practical training when students can work alongside experienced practitioners over a long enough period to discover how best to guide individual children's growth.

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