Reprint of the original, first published in 1837.

Originally published in 1972.This book considers the actual development of infant schools and education in Britain against the background of industrialization and social change, making clear how this development was influenced by the ideas of particular theorists from both the Continent and England.

Samuel Wilderspin became a household name in his own lifetime. Befriended by Dickens, lampooned by Cruikshank, his achievements discussed in Parliament, he was one of the best known educators of the 1830s and 1840s. However, Wilderspin’s consistent opposition to denominational education combined with his liberal and advanced views made him unpopular with the Establishment. Samuel Wilderspin’s fame declined after his retirement in 1847 but his reputation as an infant school educator has survived. Many of his ideas and practices have had a great influence on infant education. In this book, first published in 1982, Wilderspin’s own story is placed in the context of this growing movement led by Owen, Buchanan and Oberlin, and it goes a long way towards reinstating him as one of the prominent figures in the early education movement. This title will be of interest to students of history and education.

Originally published in 1937, Number in the Nursery and Infant School surveys the teachings of Froebel, Montessori and Dewey, the prevalent theories in education at the time, and takes elements from each in order to outline a new method. The author was closely associated with infant-school work over a number of years. She also trained teachers for that purpose, carefully observing the results of different methods of teaching. The method described was in full accord with modern psychological theory of the time, today it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context.