Froebel-The Education of Man

Over the next couple of weeks I am going to be writing my first essay on Froebel. I made my first trip to the Edinburgh University Library and found Froebel's book, 'The Education of Man', which I am strangely excited about! The rule of finding up-to-date information clearly mo long applies! I find it fascinating that this book, published in 1906 (108 years ago) is possibly going to be the more relevant and insightful book that I will read.

Turning through the old pages the Christian influence upon Froebel's life is evident. The first half of the book talks in detail about his faith and understanding of Christianity. Once my essay is complete it will interesting to refer back to these pages to develop a fully understanding of Froebel and how faith played a part in his teachings and theories.

Amazingly the advice Froebel gives is incredibly relevant for society and education today. He talks so knowledgeably about childhood, reminding us all of the importance of this stage. Having read several chapters, it is clear to me that my essay must be based on childhood; my own and that of children today, while ferrying to Froebel's theories and using them to see where they fit in society today.

'To climb a new tree means to the boy the discovery of a new world. The outlook from above shows everything different from the ordinary cramped and distorted side-view. How clear and distinct everything lies beneath him! Could we but recall the feelings that filled our hearts and souls in boyhood, when the narrow limits of our surroundings sank before our extended view, we should not cry out to him: "Come down;you might fall!"

Not by walking and standing alone, do we learn to walk and stand. Not by walking and standing, sitting and crawling, do we learn to keep from falling; the survey of our surroundings, too, is needed. And how different does the commonest thing look when it is viewed from above!' (FROEBEL p103)