Why is kindergarten called kindergarten?

In the United States, kindergarten is a program that offers developmentally appropriate learning
opportunities to build children's social and academic skills and to prepare them for the transition into
first grade as well as for school in general. It is typically for 5-year-olds, though it can occasionally include
4- to 6-year-olds. The question remains, though, why kindergarten?

German is the language that gave rise to the word "kindergarten." The words "kinder" and "garten" both
refer to kids. The phrase was first used in the 19th century. The first kindergarten, Garden of Children,
was established in 1840 by Friedrich Froebel (1782–1852). According to Froebel Web, Froebel coined the
term "kindergarten," which came to represent his philosophy of early childhood education: "Children are
like tiny flowers; they are varied and need care, but each is beautiful alone and glorious when seen in the
community of peers."

Children younger than seven did not yet attend school before 1840. According to "Pioneers In Our Field:
Friedrich Froebel - Founder of the First Kindergarten" from Early Childhood Today, it was once thought
that kids under 7 couldn't focus or develop their cognitive and emotional skills.

Froebel was an educator who supported children's independence and experiential learning. He also
enjoyed science, math, and the natural world. He believed that kids need to be nurtured and tenderly
cared for, just like plants in a garden. As a result, he established what he called "kindergarten," an early
schooling program for young children. Children could grow and thrive there unrestrictedly through self-
directed play while being guided, not led, by adults.