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Identifier
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PAR151
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Name
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Bates, Lois
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Birth and death
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1855-1932
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Description
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Lois Bates grew up in a large family in Almondbury, Huddersfield, before beginning a career that would shape early years education in Saltaire and beyond. In 1879 she was appointed Mistress of Albert Road Infant School, remaining there for more than fifteen years.
Her influential books - 'Saltaire Action Songs' and 'Guessing Games' - helped popularise her Froebelian education methods, many of which were adopted by the Education Department. Children under seven experienced a less formal style of teaching, learning social skills and manners through stories, songs and play.
Although she had to give up her teaching career when she married in 1895 , Lois continued to write, producing further works including her 'Kindergarten Guide', now recognised as an important contribution in the history of early-years education.
