In this Froebel Trust chaired by Jane Whinnett MBE, Dr Helge Wasmuth explores 'Freeom with Guidance', a key component of Froebelian pedagogy.
“Freedom with guidance” is a key component in Froebelian pedagogy. However, the question arises: What were Froebel’s authentic thoughts on this concept, where can one find remarks, how did Froebel envision it, and what does it mean for today’s practice?
During this 60 minute recorded webinar, Dr Wasmuth discusses these questions by referring to one of Froebel’s most important letters from the late kindergarten period, the letter to Max Leidesdorf from March 21, 1846.
By doing that, Dr Wasmuth explores how Froebel envisioned the idea of “Freedom with guidance” as an essential part of his educational theory, and how it can help today to reflect on early childhood education. The discussion was chaired by Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor, Jane Whinnett, MBE.
This Froebel Trust webinar is for all those who work with young children in schools and early years settings - as well as leaders, policy makers, parents/ carers, researchers, academics and students interested in understanding more about early childhood today.
About the presenters
Dr Helge Wasmuth
Dr Helge Wasmuth is Professor of Education at the Department of Early Childhood and Childhood Education at Mercy University (US). He is the author of Fröbel’s Pedagogy of Kindergarten and Play: Modifications in Germany and the United States (2020), co-author of Finding Froebel – The Man Who Invented Kindergarten (2023) and co-editor of The Bloomsbury Handbook to Friedrich Froebel (2023).
Jane Whinnett MBE
Jane Whinnett MBE started studying Froebel in 2005 at the University of Roehampton. She was previously the head teacher of two Edinburgh Nursery Schools and now tutors at the University of Edinburgh where she contributes to both the Froebel in Childhood Practice and MsC Education: Early Childhood Practice and Froebel pathway courses. Jane teaches the Froebel Trust's Short Courses and Online Course as an experienced Froebelian Travelling Tutor. In 2019, Jane received an MBE from HRH The Prince of Wales for services to early education. She and her co-authors were also awarded the 2021 Nursery World Professional Book Award for Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice [Bruce, McNair and Whinnett Eds. 2020, Routledge].
