The pedagogical concept of Friedrich Fröbel (1782 – 1852) was the first concept of institutional early childhood education. This has left a significant mark on the history of institutional early and preschool education on a global scale. Friedrich Fröbel developed his pedagogical concept over an extended period. He thoroughly explained the fundamental principles and approaches of his concept in the work Die Menschenerziehung (The Education of Man). The broader pedagogical community enthusiastically accepted the opening of kindergartens. His pedagogical ideas also found “fertile ground” among domestic educators. Antonija Cvijić, (married name Kassowitz) (1865 – 1936) stands out among domestic educators. Based on her own practice in the Zagreb children’s kindergarten and under the influence of Friedrich Fröbel’s pedagogical ideas, she wrote Rukovođ za zabavište (1895), which is considered a seminal work of Croatian pedagogy in the second half of the 19th century.
