About Emmi Pikler
Emmi Pikler (1902-1984) was a Hungarian pediatrician who developed theories of infant education and put them into practice in the orphanage she directed. Pikler’s approach relied on observation and respect for a baby’s inherent competencies. According to Anna Tardos (2010), Pikler’s “vision of a healthy infant was an active, competent and peaceful infant, who lives in peace with himself and his environment.”(Tardos, A. (2010). Introducing the Piklerian developmental approach: history and principles. The Signal: Newsletter of the World Association for Infant Mental Health, 18 (3-4). Retrieved from http://www.waimh.org/files/Signal/Signal3-4_2010.pdf) Pikler inspired Magda Gerber, who brought these ideas to America and developed the RIE Institute.
Additional resources:
- Key principles of the Pikler approach
- What is the Pikler Theory?
- The Pikler Approach To Optimal Early Childhood Development
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Josie is an early childhood educator turned children’s librarian from Kansas City, MO. When she’s not promoting play and early literacy, she loves to spend time with her family and travel. During her rare moments of free time, you can find Josie curled up with a cat and a good book. Feel free to reach out to her with early literacy questions or ask for book recommendations.
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