Analysis and Synthesis
Anna Wright obtained at the Exposition and later back home exactly what she needed to formally introduce her son to a novel and inventive way for learning about nature and its intricate, yet simplified, patterns of design. Froebel’s Gifts stress analysis, with a natural geometric progression from the solid to plane, line and point; while Froebel’s Occupations call for synthesis, with a natural geometric progression from the point to line, plane and solid. <insert table 2 here> Thus, Froebel’s Kindergarten in its authentic and purest form was designed as a system of education, encompassing the development of motor and higher levels of mental skills in children. The successful approach, for effective teaching and learning
…show more content…
Every Gift represents that which is beautiful, and at the same time is adaptable in the hands of children to improve their sense of discovery and invention. Thirteen Authentic German Kindergarten Gifts
The Gifts, as sets of playthings, range from soft, colored Balls to Dots, which comprise a system of educational playthings for the development of cognitive, motor and affective qualities in children. Comprehensive mental and manual exercises help children to think logically, plan carefully and take action enthusiastically, with special attention given to intelligence, aptitude, self-motivation and pride.
The Ball
The Ball, which represents a perfect geometric form, by playing simple child-hood games, introduces young children to the general properties of form, color, size, weight, volume and density. These qualities are found in all of the Gifts and Occupations, so experiencing them early on, equips children for investigating these same properties and others throughout Froebel’s educational program. <insert image 26 here> Note: For every Gift and Occupation Exercise, page and exercise numbers reference the Kindergarten Guide The Gifts, Volume One or the Kindergarten Guide The Occupations, Volume Two by Maria Kraus-Boelte and John Kraus, E. Steiger & Company