Teaching and Learning Materials in the Spirit of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi
Our Toolkit constitutes ideas for teaching and learning in the spirit of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. As such, it encourages a teaching and learning approach which is:
Values- led, with particular focus on loving kindness, cooperation and compassion
Holistic, focusing on Head, Heart and Hands
Child-centred/ Participant-centred
Enjoyable for facilitators and participants alike
Active
Connected to nature
Based on observation, individual experience and concrete understanding
Connected to nature
Based on observation, individual experience and concreate understanding gained through the senses
Community oriented, providing opportunities for service/ socially useful productive work
Relevant to the likely futures of the students
Start Using Our Resources
Access our collection of experiential learning resources, teaching strategies, and classroom activities aligned with holistic and values-based education.
Integrating SEE Learning with Pestalozzi Values Education
We enhance our Toolkit by providing our students with SEE (Social, Ethical and Emotional) Learning which we relate closely to the Pestalozzi Values Education element our of Toolkit
Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi's Pedagogy and Approach
Teaching and learning activities for elementary to upper secondary level students, these experiential activities are not only delivered in the spirit of Pestalozzi but also explore and apply different aspects oh his approach in ways relevant to the needs of today.
Support of Curricular and Extra-Curricular Development Activities delivered in the Spirit of Pestalozzi.
These activities in the spirit of Pestalozzi support a range of curricular or extra-curricular student development and can be used as reinforcement of or integrated into existing programmes. Taking a lively and engaging approach.
The life of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi
For elementary to advanced level students, these activities use word games to teach the factual information about Johann’s Heinrich Pestalozzi’s life, and drama techniques and drawing to give students personalised experience of his life, character and basic beliefs in ways that enable them to relate his life to their own lives.
Games In The Spirit of Pestalozzi
A manual of playful group activities for building trust and cooperation amongst all levels of students. To be played outside, many of them are short activities useful as breaks in the middle of class-based activity. The manual also provides an overview of how to use these games with the students.
Skills for Business Entrepreneurship Facilitators Guide
This programme has been developed to introduce students in their final three years of secondary school to the skills required for Business Entrepreneurship and to give them an opportunity to run a Small Scale Handicraft / Craft Food Business. It is comprised of: Facilitators’ guide with Six Introductory Sessions.
Pestalozzi’s Fundamental Ideas By Dr. Arthur Brühlmeier
While Pestalozzi was primarily a pedagogue, he was also a social reformer. This document explores the philosophical and educational ideas of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, focusing on Anthropology (his understanding of human nature), The Nature and Function of the State, Poverty, Religion, and his vision for Upbringing and Formative Education.
The Life of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi
This document is based on work by Adolf Haller and Arthur Brühlmeier, rewritten in German by Heinrich Rubi and translated into English by Anne-Marie Widmer. Designed and edited by Joanna Nair with examples of Pestalozzi’s ’Fables’ from ‘Pestalozzi, His Life and Work’ by Roger de Guimps.
Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi: An Outline of his Life and Work
A timeline of Pestalozzi’s life, ideas and schools, showing how his educational philosophy shaped modern learning.
Pestalozzi and Education
Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827) revolutionized education in Switzerland and beyond. Believing that every individual has the right to learn and that education should be holistic - developing the Head (intellectual abilities), Heart (moral values), and Hands (practical skills) - his work laid the foundation for democratic, child-centred education.
Background to Education in Pestalozzi's Time
This document provides an overview of the historical context of education in Europe leading up to and during the time of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746–1827). Drawing primarily from J.A. Green’s Life and Work of Pestalozzi, it traces the evolution of educational thought from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment and beyond, highlighting key intellectual, religious, and political movements that influenced educational theory and practice.
Pestalozzi’s Influence
Pestalozzi’s ideas spread unevenly across Europe, thriving in Germany and Spain. Discover where he gained pockets of support elsewhere in this document.
Organisations Working In the Name of Pestalozzi Today
Organisations worldwide continue Pestalozzi’s vision, offering holistic, child-centred education and support.
English Language Texts and Websites about Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi
A curated list of key books, research, and websites offering comprehensive English-language resources on Pestalozzi.
Pestalozzi’s Fables (1797)
Short moral fables using animals to reveal human nature, urging wisdom, humility, and moral growth.
Glimpses of Pestalozzi
Glimpses of Pestalozzi is a collection of personal reflections, biographical excerpts, and character sketches that bring to life the complex humanity and profound moral vision of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. Compiled from accounts by former pupils, historians, biographers, and admirers, the document contains a range of impressions that together form an intimate portrait.
