Here are some of the comments we received from past events:
2019 | Cambridge, MA
I really enjoyed the hands-on portions of the event, although I felt like the presentations were just the right length and very engaging. I always love learning from Lella Gandini, she is such a wonderful source of knowledge and experience. I think it was a great balance of lectures and playtime. I would say of all of the conferences I have been to, it was the best balance. After the first day, I felt like I could keep going. It was such an enriching day! ~ KW
Thank you! I am grateful to have been introduced to Froebel and the community of people who are carrying on this extensive approach to teaching/learning. As a newcomer to Froebel, I did not know what to expect. ~ VS
I had no idea what to expect being a first timer. I learned a ton about Froebel and the many varied applications of his ideas and gifts. And met so many amazing people! ~ JB
A perfect balance...talks in the AM when you were relatively fresh and then playing after lunch works well. ~ SF
I was amazed at the diverse population that attended. We loved it. Thank you so much. ~ RT
Thank you for all of your passion and the efforts you put forth to host this event. It was transformative, informative, and enjoyable. ~ SN
Exceeded my expectations. Being part of a group of teachers who have different levels of knowledge about Froebel's teaching method made me feel comfortable and motivated to learn more. ~ CJ
All presenters were wonderful and each deserve recognition for their unique offerings. With that said, I have to say I enjoyed Tiffeni Goesel's presentation the most. Clay happens to be a material very relatable to my children and their explorations so it was inspiring to discover a way of combining using clay with Gifts #2. ~ WK
Yes, I loved every minute of it! The format was perfect! Large group presentations, break outs
2017 | Grand Rapids, MI
There were many favorite parts: Working with extremely knowledgeable Froebel educators, observing and discussing how groups of children interacted with The Gifts, and getting to know fellow teachers who recognize the power of Gift Play. ~ JS
I wasn't really sure what to expect. I was very pleased. I had a lot of fun and I am both encouraged and inspired. I am no mathematician, so I was a bit concerned that I might feel intimated but I never was put in that position. ~ CB
I love that many people from different perspectives spoke at the conference. ~ JM
I was well informed not only by the presenters but by my table mates as well. ~ MK
2013 | Ann Arbor, MI
The 2013 Froebel USA Conference was wonderful! The speakers were enlightening, the conversations with participants were engaging and the topic was so interesting. ~ DM
It was a fantastic weekend with phenomenal presenters and you did a lot to accommodate everyone and make us all feel so welcome. Thank you for all of your dedication and hard work. (and the great food!) ~ JH
Thank you for the wonderful conference. It was very educational. I am convinced that the Gifts should be used as an underpinning for teaching design and integrating with other subjects.~ RV
Thank you for a wonderful, thought-provoking conference this weekend. Like most people my mind is a whirl of ideas. Thank you for bringing so many interesting people and topics together for the conference. ~ JS
I had a great time in Ann Arbor. It was a great conference. ~ MJP
So enjoyed the conference! ~ JR
My weekend with Froebel has stayed with me through the week ... I am very glad I attended the conference. ~ MR
2012 | San Francisco, CA
Great speakers, huge variety of topics related to Froebel, small participant size allowed time and opportunities for networking and interaction between speakers and participants.
I learned a lot!
This conference exceeded my expectations -- a joy, worth every penny!
I liked all the hands-on presentations and John Reynolds was stimulating.
Liked the small size human-wise and the large scope of information pedagogically-wise!
Susan Herrington's presentation about play spaces as especially poignant for me.
2010 | Grand Rapids, MI
The conference was terrific. It far exceeded my expectations.
Awesome — intellectually, practically, socially. A fabulous shot in the arm before the school year. Fabulous group of attendees - I just loved it!
We enjoyed the conference greatly, especially meeting so many people that are inspired about educating children.
I think the conference was AMAZING. I actually liked the combination of papers, hands-on, and powerpoints.
I especially enjoyed seeing the Gift Play demonstrations and meeting everyone at the conference.
Excellent on all levels. I have attended numerous early childhood conferences and found this one to be especially informative and interesting for its lens on the triad of past, present and future work with and for young children.
I came there to learn more about Froebel method to day and I got much more that I expected. Thank you!
I really liked the hands-on opportunities. I was impressed with the display exhibits.
Such an excellent array of presenters!
I found it very interesting and valuable - thank you!
I really enjoy the gifts demonstrations. This is obviously very important to understand and experience what it is about.
I appreciated the breadth of knowledge and high caliber of the presenters! That the Conference included luminaries in varied fields and from as far away as Finland speaks well for Froebel USA in 2010.
Actually, every part was interesting and I learned something new from every presenter. Kindergärtner as facilitator was marvelous by Finella. She was such a delight. Experiencing the music and movement was exceptional. Honestly, there really were no poor presentations.
I enjoyed the variety of speakers very much! I also appreciated the opportunity to visit the Wright home!
I realize that there is a lot more to the method than I had known.
I loved meeting others "Frobelians", since most other people don't really get it! I left very excited about using these methods to teach my kids ...
Was very valuable and will plan to attend again!
I enjoyed a lot the Conference from the beginning to the end! I met so nice people there.
Just as we are growing cognizant of the dangers of fast food diets for young children, the downside of fast fact diets in early childhood education deserves our attention. I believe the Froebel method has much to offer 21st Century education.
I enjoyed the conference immensely and learned a lot about Froebel. What I hoped for most was to see how his gifts are taught and Finella is truly a master. Scott is a great host, everyone is friendly and encouraging and I just loved the experience. It was a wonderful conference.
Awesome - intellectually, practically, socially. A fabulous shot in the arm before the school year. Fabulous group of attendees - I just loved it!
We enjoyed the conference greatly, especially meeting so many people that are inspired about educating children.
I think the conference was AMAZING. I actually liked the combination of papers, hands- on, and powerpoints.
I especially enjoyed seeing the Gift Play demonstrations and meeting everyone at the conference.
Excellent on all levels. I have attended numerous early childhood conferences and found this one to be
especially informative and interesting for its lens on the triad of past, present and future work with and for young children.
I came there to learn more about Froebel method to day and I got much more that I expected. Thank you!
I really liked the hands on opportunities. I was impressed with the display exhibits.
Such an excellent array of presenters!
I found it very interesting and valuable - thank you!
I really enjoy the gifts demonstrations. This is obviously very important to understand and experience what it is about.
I appreciated the breadth of knowledge and high caliber of the presenters! That the Conference
included luminaries in varied fields and from as far away as Finland speaks well for Froebel USA in 2010.
Actually, every part was interesting and I learned something new from every presenter. Kindergärtner as facilitator was marvelous by Finella. She was such a delight. Experiencing the music and movement was exceptional. Honestly, there really were no poor presentations.
I enjoyed the variety of speakers very much! I also appreciated the opportunity to visit the Wright home!
I realize that there is a lot more to the method than I had known.
I loved meeting others "Frobelians", since most other people don't really get it! I left very excited about using these methods to teach my kids
... Was very valuable and will plan to attend again!
I enjoyed a lot the Conference from the beginning to the end! I met so nice people there.
Just as we are growing cognizant of
the dangers of fast food diets for young children, the downside of fast fact diets in early childhood education deserves our attention. I believe the Froebel method has much to offer 21st Century education.
I enjoyed the conference immensely and learned a lot about Froebel. What I hoped for most was to see how his gifts are taught and Finella is truly a master. Scott is a great host,
everyone is friendly and encouraging and I just loved the experience.
It was a wonderful conference.