February 2018

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80 KINDERGARTEN PART II 23.02.2018 17:00

Concurrently between 1782 and 1826 lived three men with a common main concern: the well-being of children. This lead to the establishment of the Kindergarten. Let us have a look at these three, chronologically: Oberlin, Pestalozzi and Fröbel.

Jean-Frédéric Oberlin (1740 – 1826), Frenchman, pastor, has been called the „true precursor of Christianity“ in France. His orphan asylums for the protection of children are particularly noteworthy. He is also termed as a forward-thinker of Fröbel.

Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746 – 1827), Swiss, pedagogue and educational reformer; his grandfather, a pastor, gave him an understanding of charity. He founded several educational institutions and wrote many works explaining modern principles of education.

Friedrich Fröbel (1782 – 1852), German, pedagogue and a student of Pestalozzi, son of a pastor. After his first job as an educator in Germany, he worked for some time with Pestalozzi in Switzerland, where his ideas further developed. In particular, he emphasized the children’s individual gifts and talents, as well as the promotion of self-acting, motor skills, fantasy and creativity. Fröbel is considered to be the founder of the Kindergarten in 1840; the first one was in Bad Blankenburg, Germany. It was the beginning of a new early childhood education.

Hence, it was Fröbel who laid the foundation for modern education based on the recognition that children have unique needs and capabilities. He created the concept of the Kindergarten; the second part of this word - „garden“ - speaks for itself. A garden is a space for the cultivation of plants and other form of nature – growing, thriving, developing!

See you next Friday. - God bless you, all the best! The Castiron

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PS. Source reference: Wikipedia and the newspaper D’REGION 11. Jahrgang Nr. 27

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79 KINDERGARTEN PART I 16.02.2018 16:51

On the occasion of grandson’s Mickey birthday, The Castiron had the opportunity to visit the Kindergarten. It seemed to be a normal day with a special hour for the birthday boy.

All together sung several songs, one of them with special wishes for a guardian angel for Mickey. He got some presents and the children played together, too. Everyone was in a good mood, and also this seemed to be normal – not least because of the committed nursery school teachers.

Of course, the birthday cake had to be present. Baked by Mickey’s dad, shape of a car, orange-coloured, this chocolate cake was big enough for everyone (also for The Castiron) and was quickly eaten.

Today’s blogpost picture, a sunrise, is meant to be a symbol for these children. Often, they show some similarities: like a rising sun, they represent brightness and lightness, to name a few aspects. The Castiron hopes and wishes, that all children always have the sunshine and the guardian angels with them.

This was mainly grandfather’s view. You will read more in Part II next week, from the pastor’s perspective.

See you next Friday. - God bless you, all the best! The Castiron

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78 THE LATER YOU BRAKE THE LONGER YOU’RE FAST 09.02.2018 15:47

The video is worth a thousand words. Have a look at it, more than once. Is the saying „who brakes loses“ really correct? Or rather: the later you brake the longer you’re fast?

Some risks of braking (too) late: problems on the track, beside the track or even a crash. Loosing time is guaranteed. In addition, there is the possibility for an immediate uneven tyre wear (in case of no ABS). The Castiron made this experience several times. In extreme cases the tyre showed the steel belt at the flat spot – a destroyed, standing (instead of trundling) tyre, unnecessary costs and usually an unsuccessful practice or race.

Some chances of braking late: make up time, winning some positions, probably winning the race – this is also the occasion’s objective. In case you are the race leader right from the start, often you can hold this position, when also your braking is just on the right point – the ideal situation, but not always the case. And: easier said than done.

It is up to you, in combination with various circumstances. Take the right decision at the right time at the right place – and implement it perfectly, when ever possible. Good luck!

See you next Friday. - God bless you, all the best! The Castiron

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77 LONG SHADOWS 02.02.2018 15:39

Long shadows - low sun. This is your business, too, when you are one the move – be it on the road or on the racetrack. What does it mean, what speaks against you and what can help?

Long shadows are always related with low sun, in the early morning or in the early evening. The consequence is distracting glare. At worst combined with a wet and reflecting road, it turns close to getting almost blind. But you keep on driving, on the road in most countries up to 80 miles per hour, on the track sometimes up to 130 miles per hour or even more.

Some typical situations show what speaks against you. Low speed on the road combined with a traffic light; when you cannot recognize its specific colour, be extremely cautious. Higher speed on the highway combined with a tunnel; when you are leaving the tunnel and looking directly at the sun you should be prepared by knowing the traffic situation (keyword: concentrated and anticipating). It is quite similar for driving on the track combined with a knoll or after a bend.

In all these cases keep in mind what all this means for everyone else on the move. Sunglasses and the car’s sun visors are helpful to shield your eyes from the blinding rays of the sun. Be protected and again: be prepared, also mentally - thinking for you and others is not only recommended, it is a must!

On no account staring at the sun does not help; this applies to you as a driver and also to many, many spheres of life. Have an enjoyable and safe motoring!

See you next Friday. - God bless you, all the best! The Castiron

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