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Froebel, Montessori and Steiner: Champions of Children
This article explores the pioneering contributions of Friedrich Froebel, Maria Montessori, and Rudolf Steiner to early childhood education. Discover how their innovative philosophies and methods have shaped modern educational practices, emphasizing the importance of nurturing environments, creativity, and child-led learning. Learn about Froebel's kindergarten concept, Montessori's scientific pedagogy, and Steiner's Waldorf education, and understand their lasting impact on how children learn and grow.

Froebel, Montessori and Steiner: Champions of Children

Friedrich Froebel, Maria Montessori, and Rudolf Steiner were trailblazers in early education in the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries.

  • Their ideas and philosophies shaped early childhood education as we know it in the 21st century.
  • Who were these people?
  • Why did they feel that early education was so important?

Freidrich Froebel

Freidrich Froebel (1782-1852) invented "kindergarten," which means "a child's garden."

  • Froebel wanted children to interact with their surroundings. Interacting with nature was central to his philosophy of education.
  • He believed that interacting with nature would lead children to a closer examination of how things work.
  • Froebel was influenced by the Swiss pedagogue Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827), whose methods and approach to education, in turn, shaped a young Albert Einstein when he attended the local school in Aarau.
  • Today, few people, except educators or trivia buffs, know who Froebel is, even though his influence in early childhood education was profound.

One feature of Froebel's approach to teaching children was the use of gifts.

  • He developed five gifts to be given to the child in ascending order.
  • The gifts were designed to teach awareness of shapes, spatial relationships, and many other concepts to even the youngest child.

This video offers an overview of Froebel.

Dr. Maria Montessori

Italian physician and pedagogue Dr.

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Codes of Conduct

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Codes of Conduct
Discipline in private schools generally begins with a code of conduct.

One of the reasons we parents send out children to private school is discipline. We have grown concerned about our children being in large classes where the teachers spend much of their teaching time dealing with discipline issues. That's not the education environment we want for our children. We want them to go to school to learn in a safe, supportive environment where they can learn..

As you investigate private schools at any level, review how the schools handle discipline. Because each private school is a stand-alone entity, how it approaches the matter of discipline will vary from school to school. Be ready for that. How a school handles discipline is one of many factors which will influence your choice of schools.

What is a code of conduct?

Discipline in private schools generally begins with a code of conduct. A code of conduct is a document which has been produced by the school administration and approved by the board of trustees or other governing body. The code of conduct is generally read and signed by parents and students at the time of admission to the school. It becomes part of the contract between student, parents and the school which governs your attendance at the school. Since you have already agreed to the school's code of conduct beforehand, when you commit an infraction of the code, you will be disciplined accordingly.

It will

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Do I Need to be Certified?

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Do I Need to be Certified?
Each state sets its own teacher certification requirements. While many private schools do not require you to be certified, it is in your best interests to obtain certification. This article includes contact information for state education offices so you can begin the process.

Each state sets its own teacher certification requirements. While many private schools do not require you to be certified, it is in your best interests to obtain certification. Why is that so? Simply because it adds one more important credential to your resume. That will help keep you marketable for many years to come.

Here is the contact information you need to find out what the specific requirements are in the various states and territories.

AlabamaMainePennsylvania
AlaskaMassachusettsRhode Island
ArizonaMichiganSouth Carolina
ArkansasMinnesotaSouth Dakota
CaliforniaMississippiTexas
ColoradoMissouriUnited States DOD Schools
ConnecticutMontanaUtah
DelawareNebraskaVermont
District of ColumbiaNevadaVirginia
GeorgiaNew HampshireWashington
HawaiiNew JerseyWest Virginia
IllinoisNew MexicoWisconsin
IndianaNew YorkWyoming
IowaNorth Dakota
KansasOhio
KentuckyOklahoma
LouisianaOregon

Seattle Area Schools

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Seattle Area Schools
The Seattle area is home to many fine private schools as well as to major companies such as Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks.

The Seattle area is home to many fine private schools as well as to major companies such as Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks.

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Boston Area Schools

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Boston Area Schools
The metropolitan Boston area offers a wide range of academic and cultural activities. Just as impressive is the area's selection of private schools.

The historic metropolitan Boston area offers a wide range of academic and cultural activities. Just as impressive is the area's selection of private schools which cater to almost every need.

A fine transportation network and the fact that the Big Dig is finally finished make Boston a wonderful place in which to live and go to school. After graduation, there are thirty-seven colleges and universities to choose from. Head north a few hours and you will find excellent skiing in the winter and a host of recreational activities in the summer. Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard to the east and south are treasures in their own right. Boston's accommodations and restaurants are decidely world-class. Perhaps one of these fine schools should be on your short list.

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