ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Frederick Froebel and his contributions to early childhood education that continue to resonate in today's pedagogy for child-centered models of education. It introduces his methodology for using his designs of materials and activities he created as his curriculum frameworks, his philosophy for educating professional teachers of young children, and expected outcomes for establishing the kindergarten in a communal setting. Throughout the world, Froebel's legacy remains in evidence in many early childhood education models. History places Froebel as one of the voices of the romantic age for his Idealism and commitment to allowing children's self-activities as modes for learning in his kindergarten. Froebel shaped Pantheism into his doctrine known as Gliedganzes, which deemed that ideas cultivate spiritual meaning and connections to educational practices. Symbolism is inherent in all Froebel's play activities to enhance the spiritual side of knowledge.
