Froebel as a pioneer in modern psychology

The work contends that Froebel based his pedagogical system on close psychological observation and anticipatory ideas about child development. It analyzes his accounts of mind, will, early consciousness, instincts, and how action shapes perception and feeling. The relationship between play and work receives detailed treatment, including discussion of his designed play-materials and their intended purposes. Chapters address criticisms and clarify misunderstandings, while appendices examine the notion of activity and compare Froebel’s list of plays with subsequent classifications. Close readings of primary texts are used throughout and parallels to contemporary psychological thinkers are drawn to place the educational proposals in a scientific context.