Froebel's Theory on Education

"who laid the foundation for modern education based on the recognition that children have unique needs and capabilities."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Fröbel

I chose Friedrich Froebel to do my research on because his methods of teaching are most similar to mine. The first thing that struck me and really hooked me to do my research on Froebel was the first article I looked up,http://www.froebelweb.org/web2002.html, which quotes, "Froebel believed that stimulating voluntary self-activity in the young child was the necessary form of pre-school education. Self-activity is defined as the development of qualities and skills that make it possible to take an invisible idea and make it a reality; self-activity involves formulating a purpose, planning out that purpose, and then acting on that plan until the purpose is realized." I think that it is crucial that we teach young children to seek out learning on their own and to learn that their ideas can become realities. Once they have come to this realization learning will be much more fun for them. Froebel's education theory involved working very closely with the family unit. He believed that parents are the most apparent and consistent influence in a child's life. I agree with this immensely. Parents shape a child into what they are going to be like. If a parent teachers their kid that school is not important, the child is most likely going to have little interest in school. I believe that parents should be greatly involved with a child's education. Froebel believed in enhancing a child's creativity and abilities. I could not agree with him more on any of the points that he has made. It is crucial to ensure that a child's abilities are improved and worked upon. Also creativity is what I believe to be one of the most important aspects of pre-k and elementary school. Creativity leads to better learning, more fun, better social skills, and a better easier way to cope with emotions. I completely agree with everything that Froebel portrays and thinks should be eminent when teaching young children. His methods are not only affective but efficient. He places stress on family, creative, and children being unique, which are all things I find to be very important when teaching young children. I think that his learning theory is very popular, widespread, and smart.