Universal Values of Friedrich Froebel’s Pedagogy in the Views of Polish Froebelians

Abstract

The article describes the values of Friedrich Froebel’s pedagogical thought and practice in Polish pre-school education. It outlines the historical background, focusing especially on the views of great Polish Froebelians: Justyna Strzemeska, Maria Weryho, Zofia Żukiewiczowa, Natalia Cicimirska. The paper’s considerations regard the following aspects: the vision of the child, the views on education and play, the role of the teacher and the use of teaching materials, so-called gifts. A number of profound educational concepts of Froebel stayed still actual and re-valued in contemporary preschool education, especially Froebel’s philosophy and uniqueness of each child, respect for children as human beings, their development and right to free play, the pre-school education model based on gifts.