The Method Recommended by Pestalozzi for Mothers to Teach their Children: “Wie Gertrud ihre Kinder lehrt”

Abstract

Education is one of the areas in which scientists show great interest. Pedagogy plays an important role in this. Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi is one of the most important personalities to think of when it comes to education, and he had a strong influence on his time because he was indeed dedicated to human education. Pestalozzi postulates that people must be educated holistically. He thinks that everything encountered by humans is only meaningful insofar as it contributes to their complete education. The educational form he developed aims to foster the autonomy of children. In this context, Pestalozzi's work “Wie Gertrud ihre Kinder lehrt” holds particular significance, where he documents his ideas and experiences regarding elementary education and the upbringing of humanity. This study aims to analyse the work with regard to children's education and to present the method he proposes for educating children through their mothers. Pestalozzi considers the mother to be a child's primary and most effective teacher. The mother's role as a teacher manifests itself in her affective-social relationship with the child. The development of love, trust, gratitude and obedience takes place through the relationship between a child and its mother.

Keywords

• Autonomy of children
• Elementary education
• Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi

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