Who is the theorist associated with the phrase "The whole child"?

The phrase "The whole child" is closely associated with Friedrich Froebel, who is recognized as the founder of the kindergarten movement. His philosophy emphasized the need for holistic development in children, considering their emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth. Froebel believed that education should not be solely focused on intellectual development; instead, it should nurture all aspects of a child's abilities and interests. This approach encourages learning through play and interaction with the environment, reflecting a comprehensive view of child development.

While other theorists, such as Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget, and Erik Erikson, also contributed significantly to understanding child development, their focus is not encapsulated by the phrase "the whole child" in the same way as Froebel's work emphasizes this holistic perspective. Montessori focused on self-directed activity and practical skills, Piaget on cognitive development stages, and Erikson on psychosocial stages of development. Each of these contributes valuable insights into child learning and development, yet they do not specifically embody the concept of nurturing all facets of a child's growth in the manner that Froebel advocated.