Transplanting Froebel into the present

Friedrich Froebel created the kindergarten and in doing so initiated a pedagogy rooted in creative self-activity that helped prepare the path for art education in schools. The purpose of this article is to look back at the lasting influence Froebel's principles have had on art education. I will identify and examine six fundamental ideals that Froebel introduced. Next, I will compare these to the results of recent research in science fields that are dedicated to educational research. Special attention is then given to the issue of nature study in the context of recent literature concerning the relationship of children and the natural world. Finally, I will present questions that may further the dialogue regarding the suitability of Froebel's philosophy for today.