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Orbis Pictus
John Comenius wrote "Orbis Pictus", the first picture book made for children. His book became the defining children textbook for centuries. He revolutionized early learning by using sensory experience. Comenius believed his theories helped determine school and life success; many schools and educators stand by his popular theories today. -
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Garden of Children & Gifts
Friedrich Willhelm Froebel created "gifts" which were some of the first toys, games, and materials used in a classroom setting for children's sensory learning; we use similar materials today to promote learning. He believed children unfolded; similar to flowers, he called them his "garden of children" which is why it is called "kindergarten"! -
First Public Kindergarten
Susan Blow started one of the first public kindergartens, which was in St Louis. By 1916 when she passed away, there were 400 other public kindergartens in swing! -
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John Dewey & Progressivism
John Dewey created the base for interactive and personal teaching and learning by emphasizing children's own interests and abilities rather than just core subject matter. The Progressive Education Movement was formed by Dewey which redirected the course of education. This movement represents the line between past and present education. -
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Montessori School System
Maria Montessori was one of the most important people in education history, creating the Montessori school system. Over 4000 early childhood school programs use the Montessori school system today. She shaped teaching by teaching hands on and sensory learning which are some of the core theories so important to childhood education. -
Economic Opportunity Act
The Economic Oppotunity Act of 1964, or EOA, provided headway for the Head Start Act of 1981. This act was designed to provide people of lower economical status with jobs. Head Start is now one of the biggest running programs to address systemic poverty in the US, thanks to the EOA. -
Elementary & Secondary Edu Act
The Elementary & Secondary Education Act of 1965 was created to raise funds for schools to buy better supplies and update their facilities, as well as provide programs to lower income families whose children needed lunches, school materials and other things. This act has been the most far reaching federal legislation affecting education ever passed by the US congress, and has widely helped to shorten achievement gaps. -
Preschool for All Initiative
Obama created this budget plan in order to help expand access to low and middle class children who aren’t currently enrolled in preschool programs to provide them with high quality preschool programs. This initiative seeks to shorten yet another gap between privileged education, aiming towards preschool aged children.