Froebel (1782-1852) was one of the very early theorists concerned with play. He believed that it was vital to child development, and that children enjoyed it. He was also the first person to set out a comprehensive theory of how children learn and how others could apply his work. His work is still popular because it allows children to be children, and not progress onto the next stage of development too quickly. He was very interested in the mother-child attachment and pioneered women teachers as well as free play, sensory experiences and plenty of time outdoors.
Froebel also designed a set of toys that he called Gifts. These Gifts were made of wood and were presented in boxes that the children had to open carefully and tidy away afterwards. Children were supposed to build on whatever structure they made using the materials in the box (the first box had 6 wooden spheres, the second box a wooden cube, cylinder and sphere…) rather than constantly clearing away and starting afresh. He also developed Occupations which focused on fine motor skills such as folding paper, weaving, sewing and lacing activities.
How can we apply Froebel’s work today?
The single most important thing that we can take from Froebel’s work today is his respect of natural developmental stages and the importance of play. He reminds us that play really is a child’s work.