What developmental view did Rousseau advocate for?

Rousseau strongly advocated for the idea that children learn best through play and should experience a natural development process that is not overly guided or interfered with by adults. His philosophy emphasized the importance of allowing children the freedom to explore their environment and learn at their own pace. In his work "Emile, or On Education," Rousseau argued that education should be aligned with the natural emotions and interests of the child, promoting an organic, experiential approach to learning. This perspective recognizes the value of spontaneous play as a crucial component of healthy development, fostering creativity, social skills, and problem-solving abilities without the constraints of rigid educational structures.