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Theories & Approaches

Friedrich Froebel Founder of Kindergarten (Play-Based Learning)

  • Core Belief: Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood.

 

 

  • Key Contribution: Developed the first Kindergarten; emphasized the use of "gifts and
    occupations" (toys and tasks) to support learning through play.

 

 

  • Impact: Encouraged creative self-expression, nature learning, and hands-on
    discovery.

 

 

  • Still Used In: Play-based classrooms, block play, singing, and movement activities.

Maria Montessori – Montessori Method (Self-Directed Learning)

  • Core Belief: Children learn best through freedom within structure and self-chosen
    activity.

 

  • Key Contribution: Designed prepared environments with sensory-based, sequential
    materials for self-paced learning.

 

  • Impact: Focus on independence, concentration, order, and practical life skills.

 

  • Still Used In: Montessori schools, sensorial and real-life activity-based education.

 

Lev Vygotsky – Sociocultural Theory (Learning Through Social Interaction)

  • Core Belief: Learning occurs first socially, then individually.

 

  • Key Concept: Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) – what a child can do with
    guidance vs. alone.

 

  • Impact: Introduced scaffolding, peer interaction, and the importance of language in learning.

 

  • Still Used In: Group work, guided play, teacher-facilitated exploration, language-rich
    environments.

Jean Piaget – Cognitive Development Theory (Constructivism)

  • Core Belief: Children actively construct knowledge through hands-on experience.

 

  • Key Contribution: Identified stages of cognitive development (Sensorimotor,
    Preoperational, etc.)

 

  • Impact: Emphasized learning through play, exploration, and age-appropriate
    expectations.

 

  • Still Used In: Inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and activity-based curriculum.

Glenn Doman – Early Stimulation &amp,Brain Development Approach

  • Core Belief: Children are capable, curious, and full of ideas.

 

  • Key Contribution: Emphasis on project work, environment as the third teacher, and
    documentation of learning.

 

  • Key Contribution: Emphasis on project work, environment as the third teacher, and
    documentation of learning.

 

  • Still Used In: Preschool learning corners, art exploration, parent collaboration.

Reggio Emilia Approach – Child-Led Project Learning

  •  Core Belief: Children are capable, curious, and full of ideas.

 

  • Key Contribution: Emphasis on project work, environment as the third teacher, and documentation of learning.

 

  • Impact: Focus on creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

 

  • Still Used In: Preschool learning corners, art exploration, parent collaboration.

Howard Gardner – Theory of Multiple Intelligences

 

 

 

  • Core Belief: Intelligence is not one-size-fits-all. There are 8+ intelligences (linguistic, musical, kinesthetic, etc.)

 

 

  • Impact: Encouraged individualised teaching strategies based on children’s strengths

 

 

 

  • Still Used In: Differentiated instruction, STREAM classrooms, talent-based learning.

 

 

Rabindranath Tagore – Shantiniketan Philosophy

 

 

 

 

  • Core Belief: Education must be rooted in nature, creativity, and freedom.
  • Key Practices

               ⦁ Outdoor learning in open environments
               ⦁ Emphasis on music, arts, storytelling, and                                   community bonding
              ⦁ Emotional and spiritual development alongside                         academics

 

 

 

  • Impact: Inspired value-based, nature-integrated learning in early years.

. Mahatma Gandhi – Nai Talim (Basic Education)

 

 

 

  • Core Belief: Learning by doing — head, heart, and hand approach
  • Key Practices:
  • Activity-based learning with real-life skills (e.g., gardening, weaving)
    ⦁ Focus on self-reliance, dignity of labour, and moral values
  •  Impact: Foundations of integrated, experiential ECCE in rural and urban settings

Gijubhai Badheka – Father of Indian Montessori Movement

 

 

 

 

  • Core Belief: Respect the individuality of the child and nurture learning through love and freedom.
 
  •  Key Practices:

                  Adapted Montessori principles to Indian context
                  Wrote children’s books, promoted storytelling and                                                play as primary learning tools

 

 

 

  • Impact: Inspired generations of Indian preschool educators toward child-led learning

Tarabai Modak – ECCE Pioneer in India

  • Core Belief: Early education must be accessible, practical, and rooted in Indian culture
  •  Key Contributions:

                   Developed Balwadi (village preschool) model
                   Integrated low-cost, home-based materials
                  Created manuals for training grassroots ECCE                                                  teachers

 

  • ⦁ Impact: First major step in bringing preschool education to rural India

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