Friedrich Froebel (1782–1852) founded the Kindergarten ('children's garden') system in Germany in 1837. He believed young children learn best through play, self-activity, and interaction with nature and other children. Froebel designed specific learning materials called 'gifts' (blocks, balls, clay) and 'occupations' (paper folding, weaving) that became the foundation of early childhood education. His philosophy profoundly shaped modern pre-school and early childhood education worldwide.