Fröbel's Kindergarten
In a time when a child was considered to be adult after its seventh year of life, Fröbel’s understanding of childhood was revolutionary. Through his centres of education, methods and materials, for the first time the natural early development stages of a child were given focused attention. Fröbel’s most important invention was kindergarten, which spread from Bad Blankenburg triumphantly around the world.
The model of kindergarten as a new cultural form, connecting work, family, childcare and early childhood education, is a reflection of its time and originality. Even today, it continues to inspire pedagogic thinking.
On June 28, 2015, Bad Blankenburg will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the founding of the first General German Kindergarten (Allgemeinen Deutschen Kindergarten) with a three-day conference. The meeting will focus on the impact and importance of Fröbel's idea of childhood and kindergarten, and contrast this with the diversity of kindergartens now in evidence around the globe.