Kindergarten is a big first step for millions of children: a year of play, discovery, friendships and learning letters and numbers. National Kindergarten Day, on April 21, honors the birthday of Friedrich Fröbel, the German educator who created the first kindergarten. It celebrates the teachers, families and young learners who make kindergarten a special part of growing up.
History of National Kindergarten Day
Friedrich Fröbel was born on April 21, 1782, in Germany. He believed that young children learn best through play, music, movement and hands-on activities. In 1837, he opened a school for young children in Bad Blankenburg, and in 1840, he named it 'Kindergarten', meaning 'children's garden'. Fröbel designed educational toys, called 'gifts', including wooden blocks and shapes.
German immigrants brought the idea to the United States. In 1856, Margarethe Schurz opened the first U.S. kindergarten, a German-language program in Watertown, Wisconsin. In 1860, Elizabeth Peabody opened the first English-language kindergarten in Boston. In 1873, Susan Blow opened the first public school kindergarten in St. Louis.
Kindergarten gradually became part of public education across the country. Today, most U.S. children attend kindergarten, although rules vary by state.
Why National Kindergarten Day Matters
Kindergarten builds a foundation for lifelong learning, including social skills, reading and math readiness.
The day honors kindergarten teachers, who play a vital role in children's early development.
Research suggests that high-quality early education can have long-lasting benefits, from stronger reading and math skills to better social and emotional development. Kindergarten is also where many children first learn to share, follow routines and make friends outside the family. The day is a reminder to support early learning programs and the educators who run them.
How to Celebrate National Kindergarten Day
- Thank a kindergarten teacher: send a note or small gift.
- Play to learn: build with blocks or do a hands-on craft.
- Read a picture book: share a favorite story with a child.
- Share memories: post a kindergarten photo.
- Learn about Fröbel: read about the history of early education.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, invite employees to share kindergarten photos or memories, or collect books for a local school. In classrooms, kindergarten classes can celebrate with block-building, songs, crafts and a birthday party for Fröbel; older students can visit kindergartners as reading buddies. At home, families with young children can prepare for kindergarten with play-based activities, visit the library, and talk about what to expect. Parents of older children can share kindergarten stories and photos.
Fun Facts About National Kindergarten Day
- Friedrich Fröbel coined the word 'kindergarten' in 1840.
- Margarethe Schurz opened the first U.S. kindergarten in 1856.
- Susan Blow opened the first public school kindergarten in 1873.
National Kindergarten Day FAQs
When is National Kindergarten Day?
National Kindergarten Day is April 21.
Who invented kindergarten?
Friedrich Fröbel, a German educator.
What does kindergarten mean?
'Children's garden' in German.
When was the first U.S. kindergarten?
1856, in Watertown, Wisconsin.