Ebook Effective Early Years Education

The key argument of The Characteristics of Effective Early Learning is that how children learn is as important as what they learn. This book helps you understand how to support the learning and development of young children through promoting the characteristics of effective early learning: play and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically. The book: Investigates how children engage in learning through playing and exploring, and are motivated through active learning Explores how children become creative and critical thinkers able to review their own learning and thinking, imaginatively solving problems and excited by their own Examines appropriate approaches to observation, assessment and planning Supports practitioners in reporting on how children demonstrate these characteristics for the revised EYFS profile Rich in practical examples and case studies, this is an essential read for early years students and practitioners who want to find out more about how to promote the characteristics of effective early learning in their practice. Contributors: Di Chilvers, Clare Crowther, Kim Porter, Sue Rogers, Judith Stevens, Nancy Stewart, David Whitebread "This is such a useful addition to other publications which clarify, enrich and expand on messages in the revised Early Years Foundation stage. A range of early years experts offer valuable insights on important topics linked to young children learning. The contributors write authoritatively drawing on historical studies as well as more current research. Authentic case studies vividly illustrate theoretical points. Helen sets the stage beautifully, providing a rationale, structure and sequence to a book which truly and lovingly celebrates the processes of children's unfolding development." Marion Dowling, Early Years Specialist and Vice President of Early Education "An insightful and engaging read for students and professionals within the Early Years sector that brings alive the concepts of effective learning that underpin the Early Years Foundation Stage. The book provides an excellent synthesis of developmental and pedagogic research enabling readers to make connections between theory and practice. One of the great strengths of the book is the way in which young children are celebrated as active and powerful agents in their own learning. The book allows readers to reflect on how adults can build on this to ensure that the potential for learning within each child is fully supported through effective pedagogies as well as in more formal planning and assessment. The contributing authors bring a variety of perspectives and knowledge that combine to illuminate the principles behind effective early years practice and explore how these can be translated into meaningful and supportive experiences for children." Dr Mary Wild, Principal Lecturer, School of Education, Oxford Brookes University, UK "What a wonderful sub-title 'Helping young children to become learners for life'. It is so refreshing to find, (among the plethora of new publications on child development) a book that really sees all children as 'rich children' and describes them as capable and confident learners. All the authors share their knowledge in a highly accessible manner which means I can recommend this book to both our practitioners and students undertaking first degrees and post qualifying courses. The authors clearly identify the qualities and attributes of highly effective learners. They share the view that young children come into Early Childhood Education settings hungry to make sense of relationships and the world they are growing up in. They powerfully describe the kind of skilled educators that children deserve; educators who can harness children's energy, engage with their interests and extend their critical thinking." Dr Margy Whalley, Director of the Pen Green Centre for Children and Families and the Pen Green Research Base

In this concise and accessible guide, the authors are sympathetic to the particular demands of teaching three to eight year olds and offer practical solutions to the complex issues that are currently faced by early years educators. In recognizing the demands on practitioners, they provide new and challenging frameworks for an understanding of the practice of teaching young children and draw upon international research to offer a sound model of early years subject-structured teaching which has the quality of children's learning at its centre. Their aim is to support teacher expertise through stimulating teachers' thinking about children's development, motivation, ways of learning and the subjects they teach. These topics are clearly set in the complex institutional settings in which practitioners work and ways of taking and evaluating action are offered.

In this compelling new book Vicky Hutchin provides an accessible and readable guide to effective practice in the revised EYFS which Explains the revised EYFS areas of learning and development Considers the three ‘characteristics of effective learning’ and the implications for practitioners in their interactions with children and the provision they make for them Explores in detail the role of practitioners and parents in supporting children’s learning and development Examines the importance of partnership with parents in their children’s learning and development and how to develop this Details the observation, assessment and planning cycle with a particular focus on the statutory summative assessment, the ‘Progress Check at Age Two’ This is the revised EYFS brought to life for early years practitioners, professionals and students. Threaded throughout the book are real case studies taken from a range of inspiring early years settings. These are backed up by interviews with practitioners as they reflect on and develop their practice to ensure the best support for young children’s development, learning and wellbeing. Each chapter makes reference to relevant research and includes ‘top tips for effective practice’. “Effective Practice in the EYFS is a clear, comprehensive and accessible exposition of the new EYFS and its requirements for practitioners. Using case studies, examples from settings and observations of children, Vicky Hutchin brings breadth and depth to each aspect of the EYFS and ensures that practitioners have a principled understanding of the importance and relevance of each aspect of their work with young children. The Characteristics of Early Learning are given appropriate significance and can be seen to underpin all subsequent chapters. The Prime and Specific Areas of Learning are each highlighted with great clarity and every chapter concludes with ‘Top Tips for Effective Practice’ which could be used to create a development plan by any setting wanting to reflect on current practice. This book would be valuable for all practitioners but particularly those new to the early years and wanting a clear reference guide to all that is important about teaching in this phase.” Julie Fisher, Independent Early Years Advisor “This book will guide practitioners on their journey into the new requirements of the EYFS, and will build confidence. It is written with clarity, encourages common sense and draws on the good practice of real settings together with useful reference to research and literature. Just what is needed!” Professor Tina Bruce CBE, University of Roehampton, UK “As an Essential Guide to the revised EYFS Vicky Hutchin’s book covers everything a practitioner needs to know and think about. The emphasis on the Characteristics of Effective Learning ensures that the reader understands right from the outset that HOW children learn rather than WHAT they learn is a priority. There are clear explanations of the Characteristics which are underpinned by the theory of how children learn and develop, including important connections to the psychology of children’s early learning. Vicky has woven together the statutory requirements of the EYFS with examples of good early years practice and the voice of the child. The central strand of observation and interpreting how children are learning supports practitioners’understanding and gives them helpful directions to the work of Ferre Laevers, Julie Fisher and others. There is a strong reflective element running through the book with helpful case studies, questions to think about and useful summaries at the end of each chapter. Chapter 12 helpfully directs the reader to think about the EYFS as an evaluative tool to improve the quality of practice. These are the strengths of Vicky’s book along with the following A good explanation of school readiness Clear explanations of child initiated and adult- led thinking and learning Links to parental involvement throughout the book as well as a dedicated chapter Assessment which is child focussed and based in the context of observation and planning next steps. The messages are clear and respectful of children Unpicking each area of learning and making the linksbetween theory and practice as well as a frequent reminderof the holistic nature of children’s development and learning Top tips for effective practice and points for reflection” Di Chilvers, Advisory Consultant in Early Childhood

Starting from the Child supports early years practitioners to be advocates for young children and their learning needs. In the fourth edition of this highly influential and inspirational book, Julie Fisher outlines the important theories and research which should underpin best early years practice. She takes a robust and principled stand against downward pressure to formalise young children’s learning too soon, and offers practical and meaningful ways to develop high quality learning and teaching in the early years. Starting from the Child challenges all early years practitioners to consider: How to build on children’s innate desire to learn and their competence and autonomy as effective early learners How to plan environments indoors and out that make learning irresistible How to plan for high quality child-initiated learning to take place seamlessly alongside learning that is adult-initiated The role of the adult in supporting and extending young children’s learning How daily observation of children informs and underpins planning for their individual and unique learning needs Revised and updated throughout, this fourth edition includes the latest research on early brain development and reference to recent government initiatives including the revised Early Years Foundation Stage. Starting from the Child is essential reading, not only for early years practitioners, but for all those who manage and make decisions about early learning. “Julie draws on her extensive work with practitioners to present the everyday realities and complexities of their practice, and to sound welcome notes of caution about the ways in which policy frameworks are used... The book also reflects deeply held convictions about the moral and ethical responsibilities we have to teach young children in ways that respect their extraordinary enthusiasm for learning.” Professor Elizabeth Wood, University of Sheffield, UK “The title says it all. Julie takes the reader by the hand and says ‘Look and listen, give these children your full and respectful attention and they will teach you how to be with them.’ All the practical ideas in the book support practitioners in using their skills and knowledge to recognise early childhood as valuable in its own right - to be relished and enjoyed, not to be rushed through or seen merely as preparation for the next stage.” Helen Moylett, Early Years Consultant and writer “Julie Fisher’s work has been a staple of Early Childhood Education since the first edition of Starting from the Child in 1996. Her fourth edition does not disappoint, and is a welcome development of her thinking... This is a book for students, teachers and other early years workers seeking to find their way through the conflicting needs of a rapidly changing area of work.” Nick Swarbrick, Programme Lead for the Undergraduate Modular Programme in the School of Education, Oxford Brookes University, UK

"I think a real strength of the book is the use of the case studies to ground the points made and to offer in-depth insights into practice." Jackie Marsh, University of Sheffield, UK This exciting book considers the nature of young children's lives and how this can, and should, inform early childhood education in practical ways. It examines: What is it like for young children to learn in the 21st century? How can we link this to new and innovative ways of providing relevant and engaging learning contexts for young children? What it means to be multiliterate in the 21st century The book explores how learning and engagement with ideas can be extended through the use of new technologies, describing how information and communications technologies enable young people to extend the boundaries of their learning and social interactions. These experiences have important implications for formal learning environments and the nature of the curriculum, including bold new approaches to teaching and learning which offer opportunities for children to investigate in new ways. This book provides examples of the ways in which early childhood teachers have extended opportunities for new types of learning for children by creating contexts in which they are able to explore and represent their ideas and thinking in multimodal formats using new technologies. This book represents a research-based discussion for rethinking learning in the 21st century and includes various case studies and scenarios to enable students and practising teachers to try out new ideas. Finally, it considers new ways of thinking about children's learning by creating a multiliteracies portrait, pedagogies and pathways profile that enables teachers to build on their strengths to plan for effective learning outcomes. Rethinking Learning in Early Childhood Education is key reading for students on Early Years courses or Primary Education pre-service teacher education programmes.

Introduction to Early Childhood Education provides current and future educators with a highly readable, comprehensive overview of the field. The underlying philosophy of the book is that early childhood educators’ most important task is to provide a program that is sensitive to and supports the development of young children. Author Eva L. Essa and new co-author Melissa Burnham provide valuable insight by strategically dividing the book into six sections that answer the "What, Who, Why, Where, and How" of early childhood education. Utilizing both NAEYC (National Introduction to Early Childhood Education provides current and future educators with a highly readable, comprehensive overview of the field. The underlying philosophy of the book is that early childhood educators’ most important task is to provide a program that is sensitive to and supports the development of young children. Author Eva L. Essa and new co-author Melissa Burnham provide valuable insight by strategically dividing the book into six sections that answer the "What, Who, Why, Where, and How" of early childhood education. Utilizing both NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and DAP (Developmentally Appropriate Practice) standards, this supportive text provides students with the skills, theories, and best practices needed to succeed and thrive as early childhood educators. A Complete Teaching & Learning Package SAGE Premium Video Included in the interactive eBook! SAGE Premium Video tools and resources boost comprehension and bolster analysis. Interactive eBook Your students save when you bundle the print version with the Interactive eBook (Bundle ISBN: 978-1-5443-6883-2), which includes access to SAGE Premium Video and other multimedia tools. SAGE coursepacks SAGE coursepacks makes it easy to import our quality instructor and student resource content into your school’s learning management system (LMS). Intuitive and simple to use, SAGE coursepacks allows you to customize course content to meet your students’ needs. SAGE edge This companion website offers both instructors and students a robust online environment with an impressive array of teaching and learning resources.

This book provides a timely overview of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and explores what this means for early years' pedagogy and practice. As well as discussing the philosophy and rationale underpinning the changes, there are practical suggestions to support practitioners with the implementation of the revised framework, as well as insights from experienced professionals who share their knowledge and understanding and support you in reflecting on your own principles and practice. The book: Fosters deep understanding of the revised EYFS framework Provides a valuable source of reference for early years students and practitioners Promotes and helps develop good practice in early years Offers reflections and insights from experienced professionals into key areas of practice Makes links between the EYFS and current research, theory and practice The book draws on a wealth of expertise to provide an essential handbook for all early years students, practitioners and academics who are privileged to be involved with the care and education of young children. "This contemporary and relevant text explores, from multiple perspectives, the key challenges facing early years practitioners at a time of unprecedented change in education. It systematically explores and offers insights into the many agencies including education, health and social care that work together to enable high quality early years practice to be developed. By drawing on a range of professionals in the field, it challenges the reader to critically analyse the characteristics of effective early learning and to consider the key underpinning pedagogy that informs it. It is accessible to a wide audience including students, researchers, teacher trainers and practitioners. I would strongly recommend it as a set text on our Primary and Early Years PGCE course." Derval Carey-Jenkins, Principal Lecturer: PGCE Primary and Early Years Course Leader, University of Worcester, UK "This contemporary book focusing on the new Early Years Foundation Stage is an essential read for those studying and delivering early years curriculum and pedagogy. The book draws on theory, research, policy and practice and ensures that the chapters have significance to all early years practitioners. It challenges the reader to think reflectively about the EYFS and what is appropriate provision to support and develop young children's learning. The book is effectively organised into four relevant parts and is a very accessible read, often exemplifying high quality provision through interesting research observations, case studies and scenarios." Dr Avril Brock, Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK Contributors: Jan Ashbridge, Pat Beckley, Emma Butcher, Elizabeth Carruthers, Liz Creed, Julie Kitchen, Rachel Sparks Linfield, Estelle Martin, Jane Murray, Jackie Musgrave, Kathy Ring, Anita Soni, Corinne Syrnyk

Reviews of the first edition “At a time of constant and rapid change in education, this book will inform and reassure early childhood professionals.” Practical Pre-School “Besides advice on the most helpful ways to develop learning in areas such as maths and literacy, there are suggestions and comments about further reading at the end of each chapter, and examples of the thoughts and responses of real children are never far from the page.” TES “Innovative, resourceful and thoroughly researched… a challenge to existing and emerging early childhood professionals.” Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Promoting Children's Learning from Birth to Five supports early years professionals as they develop new practices to promote young children’s learning. This second edition fully reflects the enormous changes in early childhood education and care since the publication of the first edition. Retaining its successful focus on literacy and mathematical development as key exemplars of promoting young children's learning, the book considers new ways of working with parents, promoting inter-professional collaboration, and achieving sustainable, systematic change in children's services. The second edition: Draws on current research in early literacy and mathematical thinking Focuses on multiprofessional practice, showing how practitioners who work from evidence across professional boundaries are able to give strong, interactive and sensitive support to young children and their parents Takes into account policies and practices such as Every Child Matters, the Primary Strategy and Children's Centres Includes updated material on aspects of leadership, and on the role of the Senior Practitioner in developing innovative services for children and their families Explores the importance of personal, social and emotional development in the curriculum for under-fives Working from the basis that children learn most readily in contexts where parents and professionals are keen to learn, the authors help early childhood professionals to meet the challenges of reshaping children's services. This is key reading for all early childhood professionals and students.