Froebelian
- noun
- /ˌfroʊˈbɛliən/
- As a Froebelian, he believed that early childhood education should focus on nurturing creativity and imagination.
Examples
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Her first students, mostly kindergarten teachers and supervisors from the New York area, had been staunch advocates of the Froebelian methods, and the students of the conservative Susan Blow, who also lectured at Teachers College, found Hill's methods to be sometimes too liberal for the New York audience.
Academic text (1995) -
Many educational leaders of the day were emerging as advocates of the Froebelian "system" so decried by Hill: Elizabeth Peabody, William T. Harris, and Susan Blow, a national leader in kindergarten and a lecturer at Teacher College, who would later become an intellectual adversary and close personal friend of Hill.
Academic text (1995) -
The free interpretation of Froebel's philosophy was unheard of in kindergarten circles in America at that time, and one wonders if Miss Hill would have questioned the Froebelian Gifts and Occupations if she had not had Bryan's encouragement.
Academic text (1995) -
The teacher embraced a Froebelian approach in her classroom, allowing the children to learn through play and exploration.
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Many parents appreciate the Froebelian philosophy that promotes hands-on learning experiences in kindergartens.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Froebelian = Froebel (semi-transparent) = Froebel + ian
The noun is formed by the same regular Froebel + -ian pattern (denoting a follower or proponent), but understanding requires knowledge of the namesake.
Etymology
Froebelian names a person who follows the ideas of Friedrich Froebel and the kindergarten idea, literally a 'children's garden' where kids grow by playing. So a Froebelian is a teacher or supporter who uses play, blocks and creative activities to help young children learn.
