A Study of F. Frobel's 'Leiblichkeit' from the Humanistic Perspective

Abstract

This paper looks at a new approach to early childhood education by examining Frobel's "Leiblichkeit". First, we discuss the idea that all human beings are born into a system of interrelationships with others. Through his/her earliest physical and tactual relationships, each human being already has the latent "Intersubjektivitat", which will manifest itself later in life. Second, we elucidate how Frobel emphasized the importance of rhythm in education and child care, and then refer to the relationship between rhythm and speech. Third, we study the process of how infants acquire physical consciousness (image) by examining the concept "Mutter-und Koselieder". Then we stress the importance of caretakers' encouragement in developing physical rhythmic expression from infancy, as well as the importance of letting infants experience inter-human resonance through rhythm. Fourth, we discuss the "spiral", the basic characteristic of Frobel's "Bewegungsspiel", and elucidate how the "spiral", along with rhythm, represents a vital phenomenon. Lastly we examine Frobel's "Spielfest", to show the humanistic significance of celebrations and festivals.