Introduction to Early Childhood Education & Historical Philosophies

Vocabulary flashcards covering major historical theorists, foundational educational philosophies, and early childhood classroom models.

Johann Comenius

A 15th/16th-century philosopher who wrote the first picture book for young children, sketched in black and white as an alphabet book, and believed children should learn through hands-on experiences, nature study, and at their own pace during sensitive periods.

John Locke

An English philosopher considered the founder of modern educational philosophy who argued that children are born blank at birth, neither inherently good nor evil, and that education shapes them through environment, reasoning, and the scientific method.

Tabula Rasa

A Latin term meaning 'blank slate,' used by John Locke to express the idea that human beings are born with neither good nor evil.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

A Swiss philosopher who wrote the novel Emile and boosted John Locke's ideas, asserting that children are born naturally good and advocating for free play, hands-on learning, an open environment, and child autonomy.

Emile

A novel written by Jean Jacques Rousseau depicting children as naturally good prior to adult intervention.

Pestalozzi

A Swiss educator who created books for mothers on educating young children, taught basic skills, stressed group learning, and promoted educating the 'whole child'.

Whole Child

An educational philosophy associated with Pestalozzi focusing on the head (intellectual/cognitive development), the heart (social and emotional development), and the hand (physical development).

Fredrik Freibel

A German educational leader known as the father of kindergarten who established the first kindergarten, advocated for organized early education, free play, male teacher role models, and custom educational materials.

Kindergarten

A German word combining 'kinder' (children) and 'garten' (garden), conceived by Fredrik Freibel as a beautiful, discovery-filled learning environment for young children.

Gifts

Educational materials, such as math blocks, created by Fredrik Freibel for children to explore and develop emotional, spiritual, and mathematical skills.

Rudolf Steiner

The German founder of Waldorf educational philosophy who viewed early childhood as a specific period of development centered around spiritual, emotional, and home-like learning without early exposure to technology.

Waldorf Education

An educational philosophy founded by Rudolf Steiner characterized by natural environments, learning origins of everyday items, circle times involving the will, heart, and head, and delayed technology introduction.

Head Start

A government-funded early childhood program that is completely free of cost for families who economically qualify.

Licensed Family Child Care Home

A specialized early childhood setting in Connecticut where an individual is licensed to care for up to six children in their home, with no more than two under the age of two.

Children's Community School

A government-funded program located in Waterbury designed to support at-risk children.