Science In The Early Years Foundation Stage

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!

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

This handbook presents the Early Years Foundation Stage (updated in 2021) as a handy reference copy for early years practitioners whether in training or in practice.

Organized around 14 chapters, Section One looks at policy, pedagogy and key issues in practice surrounding the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and Section Two looks at the areas of learning and development in EYFS. Ways to plan, implement, observe and evaluate activities for young children from Birth to 5 are discussed, a range of theoretical perspectives is built upon and different ways of delivering the EYFS are explored. By combining sound theoretical underpinning with practical case studies, this book offers a critical approach to the implementation of EYFS. It takes its inspiration and examples of best practice from projects based in a range of early years settings, and considers the role of the practitioner and the holistic development of the child.

Giving early years practitioners and students the confidence to effectively support scientific exploration and investigation with young children, this book explains the science behind young children′s knowledge and understanding of the world. Linking theory to good early years practice, the emphasis throughout the book is on recognizing young children as competent, creative thinkers and building on their ideas. The reader is encouraged to think carefully about the role of the adult in supporting child-initiated learning and discovery by providing open ended resources, asking productive questions and observing carefully. The authors provide essential background information for all the key areas of scientific knowledge supported by practical ideas suitable for babies, toddlers and children aged 3 to 5 years. For each of these ideas, practice and theory are linked by highlighting the skills, attitudes and dispositions to observe and the questions to ask to challenge young children′s thinking and plan for the next stages in their learning. Chapters cover: - the place of science in early years curricula in the UK - the processes of science and the role of the adult in supporting young children′s scientific learning - using open ended resources to create a science-rich environment - essential background knowledge, covering all areas of early years science - ideas to use as starting points for exploration and investigation, indoors and outdoors - pointers for observational assessment and planning - suppliers of resources and equipment By making clear links to practice, and providing ideas to use with babies and toddlers as well as with 3-5 year old children, this book enables the reader to fully exploit the potential for exploration and investigation in any early years setting. Pat Brunton and Linda Thornton are both Education Consultants based in Cheltenham. They run their own training and consultancy company alc associates, and edit Early Years Update.

This practical book offers a scientific framework for the early years that is divided into four key areas: biological science, physical science, earth science and environmental science. Topics covered include life, nature, environmental care, sustainability, and biodiversity - with links throughout to the EYFS. A Sense of Wonder is an easy-to-read guide for educators looking to implement play-based science learning and inspire children of all ages in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The educational provision for early years is growing and changing across many parts of the world, not least in the UK. While this book leans heavily on the mounting literature on early child development in its broadest sense – physically, emotionally, linguistically – its central focus lies squarely on the growth of children’s scientific thinking and activities. Written by educators, this book is based both on formal educational research and professional practice-in-action. The authors describe children’s science concept development; their curiosity-driven exploration; emergent ecological literacy; their learning through science play; the assessment of early learning; the role of parents and practitioners within early education contexts; and some question the very basis of the science being taught. Illustrations and examples of practice are not confined to the UK, though the messages to be derived from each chapter have application way beyond the immediate context. This book was originally published as a special issue of Early Child Development and Care.

Are you struggling with the complexities of assessment? Demystifying the process of assessment for learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Assessment for Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage explains in straightforward language how to put principles into practice. Looking at models of assessment, the book draws heavily on examples of real assessments from practice, and the relevant theory is explained in context. Lessons from research are applied to best practice, and issues covered include: self-assessment and peer assessmentcollecting evidence as a basis for making judgementshow to track the child's development in the six areas of learningusing assessment to inform future planningsummative assessment in the EYFSinvolving parents and carers in the assessment processusing assessment to support children with additional needsmoderation "