This document discusses the importance of understanding the history and theories of early childhood education. It explains that knowledge of the past helps to inform current practice. The major theories of educating young children are also discussed, and the approach used should be consistent with beliefs about how children learn. Several focus questions are provided to guide understanding of how the beliefs of important educators have influenced the field. The document emphasizes that studying the philosophy and ideas of historical figures ensures their dreams of educating all children can continue to be built upon.

1. PHILOSOPHY OF EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

2. HISTORY KNOWLEDGE
I am familiar with my profession’s
history, and I use my knowledge of the
past to inform my practice

3. THEORIES OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
I understand the principles of each major theory of
educating young children. The approach I use
consistent with my beliefs about how CHILDREN learn
Bla…bla…bla…

4. FOCUS QUESTIONS
Why is it important to know about the
ideas, contributions, and learning theories
of great educators?

5. FOCUS QUESTIONS
What are the basic beliefs of the
individuals who have had the greatest
influence on early childhood education?

6. FOCUS QUESTIONS
How do the beliefs and practices of
great educators influence early
childhood education?

7. FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is learning and how do theories of
learning influence the teaching and practice
of early childhood education?

8. WHY is the history of Early
Childhood Education important?

9. A history is for EVERYTHING:
A history of school
A history of a doll
SO…
You will be informed the roots of your profession.

10. WHY PHILOS OPHY?
3 reasons;
Rebirth of great ideas
Build the dream – again
Implement current practice

11. WHY PHILOS OPHY?
3 reasons;
Rebirth of great ideas
 Every ideas and practices persist over time and
tend to be reintroduced in educational thought and
practices in 10 – 20 years.
 Teaching through phonics, multi-age grades and
teacher-initiated instruction – currently very popular
again.

12. WHY PHILOS OPHY?
3 reasons;
Build the dream – again
 inability to translate dream reality
 Horace Mann, Father of American Public Education quoted,
“It is a free school system. It knows no distinction of
rich and poor…it throws open its doors and
spreads the table of its bounty for all the children of
the state…. Education then, beyond all other
devices of human origin, is the equalizer of the
conditions of men, the great balance wheel of the
social machinery”.

13. WHY PHILOS OPHY?
3 reasons;
Build the dream – again
 You have a goal and I have a goal BUT our is to educate
all our children.
 The dream of educating all children to their full
potential is a worthy one, and we can and should use it as a
base to build meaningful teaching careers and lives for
children and their families.

14. WHY PHILOS OPHY?
3 reasons;
Implement current practice
 Beliefs of famous educators will help you
better understand HOW to implement
current teaching strategies as stated by…
 Rousseau, Froebel, and Montessori
believed children should be taught with
dignity and respect.

15. WHY PHILOS OPHY?
Literature review….
Theresa Stapler, Theresa Stephens Stapler,
Central Elementary School, Carrolton, Georgia a
USA Today all-USA Teacher, has to say about
teaching with dignity and respect.
Find out and present next class.

16. Points to ponder….
WHAT I do when I FIRST meet my students?
I always greet them with a SMILE
Then……

17. Points to ponder….
WHAT I do when I FIRST meet my students?
I shake hands
WHY shake hands - to show children that I am greeting
them with an adult’s way of showing respect.
Then……

18. Points to ponder….
WHAT I do when I FIRST meet my students?
If you know them for long HUGS is norm.
I treat my students with respect and they in turn treat
me with respect.
Then……

19. MOTTO…
I am the luckiest teacher
because you are my student…..
THE END