View of Children Throughout History

The views on children and their development and learning have evolved throughout history. In the 1600’s children were thought to need harsh religious teaching, strict guidance of virtues and morals. John Locke and Johann Amos Comenius, argued against the harsh educational theories. During the 1700’s the view on children shifted to a more romantic view, more harmonious methods of teaching. More playtimes was introduced, as was the introduction of hands on experiences. At that time Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi valued Mothers as a child’s first teacher. During the 1800’s Kindergarten was born from the theory that infants and early childhood needed to be separated. There was a strong emphasis on infants staying at home with the mother, as thought she was still the best first teacher. During that era working-class mothers needed a place for her children while she worked, thus day nurseries emerged. In the 1900’s, scientific methods of education replaced the strict religious teachings. The understanding of diversity and the effects on development surface during this era. Throughout history the status of families in society played a big role on the evolution of education. During the 1800’s when mothers started in the work place, day nurseries were created as a safe haven for children. However, almost consistently throughout history the mother was thought to be the most favorable first teacher of children. A mother has a profound effect on the influence of success of education in a child’s life. The main goals today for American educational programs are to provide children with culturally responsive practices. Throughout history the approach to programming that supports the understanding and respecting of cultural diversity has evolved into a requirement. As our society strives for social equality, we have realized that it is needed in education as well. Understanding a child’s background will ultimately give you as a teacher the tools needed to give the child the best possible advantage of learning. The effects of society planned a big role in the evolution of education. Early in history only middle to upper-class families could send their children to school. The lower class families kept their children at home and taught them a trade or skill to survive in the world. Before the Civil Rights Movement, black children were not allowed to attend school. During the movement black families pushed for equality among all students, regardless of race, ending desegregation. There regard for children with disabilities has evolved into a law that states, children with disabilities must be included in regular classrooms and given the same opportunity to learn as children without disabilities. Custodial care programs have emerged from the need of working parents. Working families needed a safe haven from the streets, and day nurseries provided the care that was needed. Early custodial care programs did not have any educational goals; the purpose was just to supply a place for children to be while parent worked. Overtime the importance of early childhood programming was evident, however day nurseries continued to be a non educational program because of the social need of the institution. Education has evolved with the influences of many theorists and philosophers. Education still is evolving and will continue to do so with more research. The journey of education is ever changing; being a teacher, it will be important to be aware of change. Change will be influenced by many things, as proof throughout history. The goal of educators is to impact lives of children positively, and to improve lives. Understanding the history of education helps us realize that we will continue to improve educational techniques.