Froebel's Impact on Canadian Education

Charles Phillips, author of The Development of Education in Canada, claimed that Froebelianism was one of the three major influences that changed the face of Canadian education at the turn of the twentieth century. Prominent Canadian educators from the time of Confederation onward, and classroom teachers in increasing numbers later, were moved to some degree by the views of Froebel (Phillips, p. 424). Froebel's impact on education across Canada was considerable. His views initiated or influenced: The child development approach to education; the kindergarten as the foundation of education; the use of creative educational toys and materials; and the importance of utilizing the child's inner motivation by encouraging his self-activity and cultivating his inner discipline.

Child Study was a new discipline. There was an excitement in learning about a child's social and emotional needs along with his spiritual and moral development. The training of mind and body were also important in developing the well-rounded child. Changes were made. Integrated studies such as Social Studies combined History and Geography to aid students in their grasp of the interrelatedness of things. Nature study led to General Science, Music and Art became necessary parts of the curriculum, Manual Training led to Industrial Arts to enable youngsters to develop useful trade skills and Domestic Science became Family Studies where young people learned the art of homemaking. This balanced structure of education was influenced by Froebel.

Froebel introduced Mother's Meetings, which would later become Parent-Teacher Associations. They were designed to unite the home and kindergarten in order that the transition from home to school would be easier for the young child.