The purpose of the Kindergarten is to provide the necessary and
natural help which poor mothers require who have to be about their
work all day, and must leave their children to themselves. The
occupations pursued in the Kindergarten are the following: free
play of a child by itself; free play of several children by
themselves; associated play under the guidance of a teacher;
gymnastic exercises; several sorts of handiwork suited to little
children; going for walks; learning music, both instrumental and
vocal; learning the repetition of poetry; story-telling; looking at
really good pictures; aiding in domestic occupations; gardening.
--_Froebel_