kindergarten

kin·der·gar·ten

noun \ˈkin-də(r)-ˌgär-t^ən, -d^ən\

Definition of KINDERGARTEN

: a school or class for children usually from four to six years old

Origin of KINDERGARTEN

German, from Kinder children + Garten garden

First Known Use: 1852

Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis

kindergarten

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

School or class intended for children age four to six as a prominent part of preschool education. The kindergarten originated in the early 19th century as an outgrowth of the ideas and practices of Robert Owen in Britain, Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi in Switzerland and his pupil Friedrich Froebel (who coined the term) in Germany, and Maria Montessori in Italy. Kindergartens generally stress the social and emotional growth of the child, encouraging self-understanding through play activities and creative expression.