This option involves creating a visual essay (you may want to review Froebel and Montessori’s didactic
toys and materials, and/or Caroline Pratt’s blocks, and/or Harriet Johnson “The art of block building”
first). https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.89309/page/n3/mode/2up
In your visual essay:
Explain why you chose that particular toy or material to explore (e.g., blocks, dolls, doll-house, wood vs
plastic, etc.).
Describe the historical development of the toy or material and connect it to the history of ECE (Note
that even if the toy/material is relatively new you need to trace its history/origin). (i.e., Who invented it?
Which of the ECE pioneers is connected to the invention of this toy or material? Where was it
invented? How does it relate to the history of ECE and/or the history of childhood? How does it relate
to ECE pedagogy/philosophy? What is the purpose of the toy or material and has its purpose changed
over the course of history? How?)
Engage in a critical analysis the toy or material (e.g., What is its “educational” potential? Does it
contribute to gender equality, ecological sustainability, imagination and creativity, movement and
awareness, connection to place, culture, or community? How? Would you recommend this toy or
material to educators/parents? Why or why not?)
Where possible, add images to create the visual element in the essay.
Your essay should be up to 7-10 pages (if it includes images), 1.5 minimum spacing, and include a
minimum of 5 references (use mostly articles from peer-reviewed journals or book chapters, if using
websites make sure information source is reliable, no Wikipedia), use APA reference style.
