Children and Nature in the italian pedagogy across the Twentieth Century: Pierina Boranga’s innovative work between sensitive feeling and scientific approach

Abstract

Looking back to the history of education in Italy across the Twentieth Century, Pierina Boranga (1891-1983) proves to be a main character with regard to the promotion of an educational vision animated by a strong passion for the discovery of the Nature. Her vision was clearly in accordance with the contemporary movement of Progressive education, which received special suggestions from the educational views of Giuseppina Pizzigoni on one hand, and the ones of Giuseppe Lombardo Radice, on the other hand. Therefore, her invitation for directing children education towards a fruitful immersion into the nature developed both a scientific and a romantic address.