Ebook Inspiring Science In The Early Years Exploring Good Practice

Explores the science inherent in good early years practice and provides ideas for early years teachers and practitioners.

Reviewers’ comments on the first edition: “Jane Johnston communicates a sense of effervescent enthusiasm for teaching and science, and her treatment is comprehensive.” TES “The ideas and recommendations, based on considerable classroom experience, make this book a valuable aid to students and reflective early years practitioners.” Primary Science Review “At last! A serious attempt to explore the scientific potential of infant and pre-school children… The author explains how scientific skills can be developed at an early stage, stimulating the natural inquisitive streak in children. This book…will start you thinking about science in a much more positive light.” Child Education This accessible and practical book supports good scientific practice in the early years. It helps practitioners to be creative providers, and shows them how to develop awe and wonder of the world in the children they teach. The book highlights the importance of a motivating learning environment and skilled interaction with well-trained adults. In addition, fundamental issues are explored such as the range, nature and philosophical underpinning of early years experiences and the development of emergent scientific skills, understandings and attitudes. New features for this edition include: An extended age range encompassing early learning from 0 – 8 Updated material for the Foundation Stage Curriculum for 3 – 5-year-olds and the National Curriculum 2000 for 5 – 8-year-olds A new chapter focusing on conceptual understanding and thinking skills in the early years An emphasis on the importance of informal learning and play in early development The book introduces and discusses new research and thinking in early years and science education throughout, making it relevant for current practice. This is an indispensable resource for all trainee and practising primary school teachers and early years practitioners.

This book looks at and challenge the traditional teaching views of science and aims to show how scientific exploration and thinking are at the heart of child led, child-centered EYFS provision. The EYFS asks that practitioners help children to become active learners who are inquisitive and have a thirst for new knowledge. This book will aim to show how scientific exploration, as an integral part of play based learning, can offer children these skills and develop their confidence to learn and independently explore the world around them. As an experienced early years trainer Kirstine's passion is science (her teaching degree is in primary science education) and she believe that this book could help build early years practitioners confidence in offering science based learning. She hopes that this book will take away some of the 'stuffed shirt mystery' of science and show that it is at the heart of good early years practice!

This innovative book aims to support schools in shifting teaching and learning in primary science by changing teacher perceptions of where science should be taught. The authors have not taken a traditional approach to the use of school grounds but a much bolder step in terms of a whole school approach to the science curriculum being taught outside. Key features of the book include: Practical examples from teachers in schools across England Approaches that combine science and the development of personal capabilities for teachers who want to develop a whole school approach relating to key skills in science Innovative approaches to activities in science using the school grounds Suggestions to help science leaders to develop their staff to be confident in using the school grounds across the science curriculum Development of pupil independence in choosing when and why to take their learning outside the classroom boundaries With a shift from indoors to outdoors, comes a range of practical considerations and challenges for both the school and the pupil and these are what the book tackles. It is a must read for students on ITT courses and Key Stage 2 teachers who are keen to move their settings forward and provide appropriate progression throughout the primary years.

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

Bringing together a diverse cohort of experts, STEM in Early Childhood Education explores the ways STEM can be integrated into early childhood curricula, highlighting recent research and innovations in the field, and implications for both practice and policy. Based on the argument that high-quality STEM education needs to start early, this book emphasizes that early childhood education must include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in developmentally appropriate ways based on the latest research and theories. Experienced chapter authors address the theoretical underpinnings of teaching STEM in the early years, while contextualizing these ideas for the real world using illustrative examples from the classroom. This cutting-edge collection also looks beyond the classroom to how STEM learning can be facilitated in museums, nature-based learning outdoors, and after-school programs. STEM in Early Childhood Education is an excellent resource for aspiring and veteran educators alike, exploring the latest research, providing inspiration, and advancing best practices for teaching STEM in the early years.

How can other subjects in the primary curriculum enhance the teaching and learning of primary science? The key argument in the book is that children’s learning is enriched through both discrete subject teaching and cross-curricular approaches to the curriculum and that children become more effective learners when they make links between the different subjects. This book gives helpful insights into why making effective cross-curricular links enriches science and discusses when and how to make effective and authentic links between science and other subjects. Each chapter tackles a particular subject and considers how it can enhance science learning through a variety of approaches and a wealth of ideas for the classroom. Written in a clear, accessible and informative style, this book: Includes contributions from a range of expert practitioners Provides a good balance between theory and practice Includes practical advice and tasks to help develop your confidence and skill in cross-curricular teaching Is illustrated with examples of pupils’ voice This book is ideal for students, teachers and schools who wish to adopt a cross-curricular approach to teaching and enhance their primary science curriculum. Contributors: Alison Brade, Mark Hamill, Sharon Harris, Shelagh Hendry, Alison Hermon, Pat Hughes, Arthur Kelly, Liz Lawrence and Cliff Porter. "Let this book take you by the hand and guide you skilfully past the pitfalls of cross-curricular teaching in primary science whilst enjoying the celebration of creative and effective links between science and other subjects. It is full of practical suggestions for cross-curricular work but it never loses sight of the need for clear learning goals. Rooted in the principles of collaborative learning, this book inspires and informs." Anne Goldsworthy, Independent Science Consultant "This important book explores a practical framework for cross curricular teaching of science through a closely referenced theoretical rationale. There are a range of open ended tasks that illustrate the rich learning opportunities that can be planned for when expert subject knowledge combines with a pedagogy for enquiry. This is an essential read for all teachers inspired to tailor the curriculum to the needs and interests of their children." Alison Peacock, Headteacher of The Wroxham School and Transformative Learning Alliance, Network Leader for the Cambridge Primary Review "I enjoyed this book sharing insights into cross curricular approaches to primary science. The authors have successfully demonstrated how they have put theory into practice. There are many useful activities clearly outlined for use in the classroom based on the authors’ own experiences. The reader will gain sound knowledge and understanding of how and why cross curricular approaches can enhance primary science through worked examples. My particular favourite was the History of Bread. I will certainly recommend this book to my students." Kathy Schofield, Senior Lecturer for Primary Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK "These ideas have given me the confidence that cross-curricular approaches can enrich scientific provision rather than dilute it." (Primary School Teacher)

"This thought-provoking book demonstrates that the application of technology in the delivery of the curriculum is so much more than this and should give early year’s educators confidence and encouragement to develop their own ideas in using ICT in innovative and imaginative ways." Lynn Kennington, Early Education newsletter How can computers and other ICT applications be most effectively used to support learning in early years settings? Why is it important that young children use ICT in ways which are playful, creative and explorative? What research has been carried out about young children using computers and ICT, and what does this tell us? ICT in the Early Years carefully considers the potential of ICT to provide opportunities for young children to learn through playful and creative activities, examining research and practice in relation to the educational uses of ICT with young children. The book raises important issues about teaching in the early years using ICT, such as giving pupils control, co-operative working, access and assessment. In addition, it: Recounts recent research evidence Provides practical ideas for early years teachers Provokes debate about the future of ICT in early years education The book’s focus is on research outcomes, viewed through discussion of practical classroom approaches, with the pupil viewed as a competent learner and assessor. Emphasis is placed on creative and playful aspects of ICT, with the child as an active agent authoring, experimenting, and creating, rather than passively receiving. ICT in the Early Years is essential reading for teachers and teachers in training, and is also of use to other associated professionals, such as classroom assistants, home educators and nursery teachers. Parents with an interest in the use of technology in education will also find the book of genuine interest.