First Advisor

Ben Anderson-Nathe

Date of Award

Spring 6-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Child and Family Studies and University Honors

Department

Child and Family Studies

Language

English

Subjects

Caroline Pratt, Progressive Era, Progressive Education, Early Childhood, Play-based

DOI

10.15760/honors.1681

Abstract

Caroline Pratt is the early childhood educator most never heard of. Pratt was a progressive era educator and reformer in 1900s New York City. Pratt developed a play based theory of education. She opened City & Country School in 1914 and her school is still operating utilizing many of the methods Pratt developed. Using first hand field research, archival research, and scholarly articles, I examine how Pratt developed her methods and how modern educators can use them today. The study of Pratt's work and her school reveal a pragmatic approach to learning that educators today can adopt. In conclusion, play is the method that is the most effective for young children and modern educators would be wise to consider incorporating play methods into their own practice.

Rights

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43780

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