The Child Under Eight

The Child Under Eight is a book written by E.R. Murray and Henrietta Brown Smith, Vice-Principal Maria Grey Training College, and Lecturer in Education, University of London, Goldsmiths' College, respectively. The book is part of "The Modern Educator's Library" series, edited by Professor A.A. Cock. The authors discuss the importance of education in early childhood, highlighting the significance of the first years of life in shaping a child's development. They emphasize that a child's experiences and surroundings play a crucial role in their growth, and that education should be child-centered, focusing on the child's needs and interests. The book draws on the ideas of Froebel, who believed that play is an essential part of a child's education, and that children should be allowed to learn through activity and self-discovery.