Learning in the Early YearsThis assignment identifies the key ideas and works of MargaretMcMillan, Maria Montession, Rudolph Steiner, and Fredrich Froebel. Discuss how these early educators influenced current early years practice and identify the ways in which current provision and practice is influenced by the work of early educators. Margaret McMillan (1860 – 1931) Margaret McMillan believed in active learning through direct experiences and emphasized feelings. and relationships as well as the physical aspects of movement and learning. She believed that children become whole people through play. She believed that play helps them apply what they know and understand. Margaret McMillan emphasized the importance of a close partnership with parents: she encouraged parents to develop alongside their children. Her most significant achievement is being described as the “godmother” of school meals and school medical services. She believed that children could not learn if they were malnourished, poorly dressed, sick, etc. Described as a "godmother", Margaret McMillan launched a campaign to improve children's health by arguing that local authorities should install toilets, improve ventilation and provide free school meals. Eventually the House of Commons became convinced that hungry children could not learn and passed the School Meals Act 1906. Margaret McMillan pioneered nursery schools, which she saw as an extension, not a substitute, of the home and as communities in themselves. She emphasized the value of the outdoors and introduced gardens for families to play and explore. Margaret McMill...... middle of paper ...... character is Friedrich Froebel. Most early education programs in the UK are based on Froebelian principles. Children's development is encouraged by providing a wide range of materials and activities tailored to the needs of each child. Current best practices emphasize Friedrich Froebel's beliefs that creativity, science, and the humanities are important. , these are now integrated into all areas of the program. Friedrich Froebel allowed children to use "gifts" and "occupations" as they wished, without having to perform defined tasks like those that adults usually asked of them. In current practice this is called free play, it occurs on average for 80% of a child's day at nursery. Bibliography · Class Worksheets. · Nolan. Y (2002) BTEC National Early Years, Oxford, Heinemann.