Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book contains messages for research and policy arising from an interrogation of the tenets of Froebelian early childhood education initiated or interconnected with the work of the Froebel Trust since its establishment in 2012. It provides a body of literature, research and examples of Froebelian work, making explicit features of Froebelian early childhood education which will give key messages for future research and policy in early childhood education. The book presents an examination of the original Froebelian principles and practices in early childhood education in different parts of the world. It details case studies, Development Projects and Practitioner Publications exploring Froebelian approaches to early childhood education. The book presents the research studies documenting, debating and evaluating Froebelian approaches.