The Power of Froebel in Early Childhood Education: Exploring Ideas, Practice, and Impact in Scotland

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Lynn J. McNair (Founder leader, Edinburgh Froebel Network) Luke J. Addison (University of Edinburgh, UK)

The Power of Froebel in Early Childhood Education

Exploring Ideas, Practice, and Impact in Scotland

Lynn J. McNair (Founder leader, Edinburgh Froebel Network), Luke J. Addison (University of Edinburgh, UK)

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English

Routledge
29 August 2025

Philosophy & theory of education; Pre-school & kindergarten

Across the globe there has been a significant resurgence of interest in Froebel's philosophy in practice and Scotland is a front-runner in its systemic adoption of a Froebelian approach. This book offers a never-before-seen glimpse into Scotland’s world-leading community of Froebel-inspired early childhood practice.

Liberated by national guidance, the expert contributors unearth the recent history of this movement to embed child, community, and ecologically centred education from birth to five and beyond in local, regional and national contexts. It offers valuable insight into the transformational work taking place in individual nursery and kindergarten settings, as well as policy circles and the emergent professional networks and research supporting both. It also highlights the challenges faced in moving away from the developmental and neo-liberal approaches that have governed early childhood education for over three decades, amid real economic and social pressures which continue to pressure early learning environments to produce “school-ready” children.

Written primarily from the perspective of practitioners, it makes a compelling case that change is driven from the bottom up, and offers insightful case studies to show how this pedagogy has children, families and communities at its heart. The Power of Froebel in Early Childhood Education is a vital companion text for anyone considering the implementation of children’s rights in early education today.

Edited by: Lynn J. McNair (Founder leader Edinburgh Froebel Network), Luke J. Addison (University of Edinburgh, UK)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 550g
ISBN: 9781032916422
ISBN 10: 1032916427
Pages: 196
Publication Date: 29 August 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction: Threads of Connection: Unravelling Froebelian Kinship and The Art of Shared Knowing Part 1. Roots 1. The Blossoming of the Edinburgh Froebel Network 2. The Open Door: Exemplifying Freedom with Guidance at Cowgate ELC, Edinburgh 3. New Seeds: From Practitioner Inquiry to Froebelian Practice Part 2. Shoots 4. In conversation with Sharon Imray and Karen Clements: Finding Froebel in Aberdeenshire 5. Through a Child’s Eyes: Listening to Nature’s Stories 6. The Travels of a Froebelian Mobile Play Cafe Initiative: A Critical Analysis of Applying Froebelian Principles in Community Spaces Part 3. Canopy 7. Unity and Connectedness: Transforming Professional Development from Individuals to Whole Settings 8. In conversation with Laura Gilbertson and Rosamund Coyle-Bennett: Finding Froebel in the West of Scotland 9. Froebelian Leadership: Where Now? Where Next?

Lynn. J. McNair is one of the founding leaders of the Edinburgh Froebel Network and a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Practice and Froebel at the University of Edinburgh, and Pathway co-ordinator of the MSc Ed (Early Childhood Practice and Froebel). Luke J. Addison is an early childhood educator, researcher, and PhD student at the University of Edinburgh, UK, with a deep passion for Froebelian principles, sustainability in education, and child-led learning.