The Froebel in Childhood Practice course considers how a contemporary analysis of Froebel’s work can provide practitioners with insights into how they can observe, support, and extend children’s learning. Designed for professionals working with young children and also those who support their professional development, such as lecturers and inspection agencies, this course considers the work of Friedrich Froebel, one of the most significant early years pioneers, and explores the relevance of the Froebelian approach for practice today. Participants will learn about the Froebelian approach, which supports children to grow and develop at their own pace, nurtured by knowledgeable and supportive adults. Participants will be encouraged and challenged to consider how this knowledge can enhance their professional practice. We run courses for local authorities and two open courses each year. The Edinburgh Froebel in Childhood Practice course is one of only two courses in the UK endorsed by the Froebel Trust. Froebel Trust website For information about other Froebel-related courses and activities in Scotland, visit the Froebelian Futures website. Froebelian Futures website Course content an introduction to Froebel’s historic heritage Froebel’s principles: Practice today play, anti-discrimination, diversity, and equity virtual visit to Cowgate Under 5s Centre Froebel and inclusive education Froebel and symbolic representation play outdoors, adventure and challenge: A Froebelian perspective on the nursery garden today Learning objectives Students will: develop a critical understanding of Froebelian principles and compare them to contemporary research and policy on pedagogy, curriculum and assessment demonstrate knowledge of a variety of contrasting academic writings on childhood, including Scottish and International ideas identify, analyse and synthesise opposing topical and historical representations of childhood consider contemporary ideas concerning social justice, diversity, anti-discrimination and equity in education develop an embedded / located approach to policy, practice and material provision critically consider concrete everyday settings (eg, your workplace), particularly in relation to social divisions, life experience, academic achievement and formalised approaches to child development Time commitment total teaching time: 30 hours independent study (reading etc): 1-2 hours per week assignments – course participants also need to allow time for researching, planning, and undertaking their work-based development project and for producing two written assignments and their academic poster Assessment There are three assignments for the course: keep a reflective journal and use this to produce a 2000-word account to demonstrate your journey on the course undertake and produce a 3000-word report on a practical development project in your own setting produce and present an academic poster to illustrate the development project Course participants who successfully complete all three assignments receive a Certificate of Completion. Students can also choose to take the course on an attendance-only basis and receive a Certificate of Attendance. Tutors Course tutors include Current posts Dr Lynn. J. McNair OBE Course Director (Froebel in Childhood Practice Course) and Teaching Fellow at the University of Edinburgh; Former Head of Cowgate Under 5s Centre Catriona Gill Education Officer (Early Years) / former Head Teacher of Greengables Nursery School & Family Centre Dr Jane Read Emeritus Fellow at Roehampton University Helen Tovey Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Roehampton University Jane Whinnett Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor and Former Head Teacher of Balgreen Nursery School and Hope Cottage Nursery School Course dates In addition to courses commissioned by local authorities, we offer two open courses each year. Summer Course - teaching is delivered in Edinburgh over 5 consecutive days in July. The 2024 course will be run between Friday 12/07/24 and Wednesday 17/07/24 (with no teaching session on Sun 14/07/24). Academic Year Course - teaching for the 2024/25 course will be delivered on the following dates: Date Time Delivery Saturday 7 Sept 2024 09.30-12.30 Online Saturday 5 Oct 2024 09.30-12.30 Online Sat 9 Nov 2024 OR Sat 2 Nov 2024 and Sat 23 Nov 2024 (alternative online dates for those unable to attend the in-person session) 09.30-15.30 09.30-12.30 In person (Edinburgh) Online Sat 30 Nov 2024 09.30-12.30 Online Sat 7 Dec 2024 09.30-12.30 Online Sat 11 Jan 2025 09.30-12.30 Online Sat 25 Jan 2025 09.30-12.30 Online Sat 1 Feb 2025 09.30-12.30 Online Sat 1 Mar 2025 09.30-12.30 Online Course fee £895 The course fee covers tuition. For face-to-face courses, participants are responsible for their own transport, accommodation and meals. The University of Edinburgh requires payment of the course fee in full before the start of the course. Available funding Some local authorities provide financial support for individuals participating in the Froebel course. In recent years, the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) has awarded some Froebel course participants a grant of up to £428 towards their course fees. To be eligible for a grant from SAAS your income must be £25,000 per year or less and you must meet certain residence conditions. Information about how to apply for a SAAS grant will be available on the 'How to apply' page when bookings open. Grant applications for the Academic Year course can be made via the SAAS online portal. Grant applications for the Summer course are subm itted by email. Necessary equipment You will need a computer, laptop or tablet and a good WiFi connection. If you are using a desktop computer, you will also need a separate camera and microphone. You should have Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari installed on your device. Online teaching sessions are held on Blackboard Collaborate (the University's equivalent of Zoom.) If you are planning to use a work laptop to connect to the live sessions, please check that your employer’s firewall does not block access to Collaborate. You can find more information on the Blackboard Collaborate information pages. Blackboard Collaborate information pages. How to apply Bookings for the summer and academic year courses are now closed. Booking deadlines Summer 2024 Course - Fri 14 June 2024 Academic Year Course 2024/25 - Wed 31 July 2024 A life-changing experience Current course tutor and former participant Catriona Gill describes the impact of the Froebel in Childhood Practice course in the blog post: Why I'm so relieved that I didn't quit teaching. Why I'm so relieved that I didn't quit teaching It changed my life. Not only was I able to deepen my fundamental understanding of early childhood practice , but I discovered a core set of principles which resonated with my beliefs and values and continue to guide my practice, my teaching and my life – and I now have the privilege of teaching on the same course and sharing my passion with others. Catriona Gill, Headteacher and Tutor Quotes from past participants I would love every person working with children in Early Years and Child Care to have the opportunity to experience this course. I cannot find anything to improve this was the best piece of CPD I have ever undertaken and would recommend to anyone. There is a real sense of achievement at the end through your project work and meeting like-minded colleagues who can share practice across authorities is fantastic. Fantastic course, highly recommended to other practitioners.” Loved the course, it's inspired me to make changes for the children. This article was published on 2024-10-07
