First Advisor
Dr 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
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.
Recommended Citation
Kepner, Charleen L., "Contemporary Echoes from the Progressive Era: A Historical Reclamation Project of Caroline Pratt and her Play-based Pedagogy" (2025). University Honors Theses. Paper 1649.
Included in
Early Childhood Education Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, Women's History Commons