Teaching Young Children Choices In Theory And Practice

This book presents early childhood students and staff with a broad and diverse range of teaching techniques to support children's learning. It examines 26 techniques ranging from simple ones, such as describing and listening, to more complex methods, such as deconstruction and scaffolding. The strategies selected are derived from the best current research knowledge about how young children learn. A detailed evaluation of each strategy enables childcare staff, early childhood teachers and students to expand their repertoire of teaching strategies and to critically evaluate their own teaching in early childhood settings. Vignettes and examples show how early childhood staff use the techniques to support children's learning and help to bring the discussion of each technique to life. Revised and updated in light of the latest research, new features include: * Coverage of the phonics debate * Addition of ICT content * Questions for further discussion * Revision to the chapter on problem solving * Updated referencing throughout Teaching Young Children is key reading for students and experienced early childhood staff working in diverse settings with young children.

An introductory early childhood text specialising in skills and techniques. Offers a blend of theory and practice by describing and demonstrating teaching techniques used in early childhood education, ranging from the simple to the complex. MacNaughton from University of Melbourne, Australia.

"This should be essential reading for anyone involved in the training and professional development of early years practitioners... It is an impressive analysis of the historical and contemporary 'big ideas' that have influenced societies ' and practitioners' views of children and the nature of the curriculum. There are powerful sections on parents and communities ... I particularly liked the stimulating 'ideas galleries' with their statements from researchers, policy-makers and practitioners around the world." Nursery World, October 2004 This key textbook introduces students and practitioners to a wide range of different approaches to early childhood. It provides practical strategies for developing and implementing early learning experiences that promote excellence and equity for children. The book presents the latest research and thinking about good practice, discusses how various philosophies and beliefs influence decisions in early childhood education, and identifies the key thinkers behind each approach. By examining different perspectives, the book helps early childhood practitioners to navigate their way through competing views, make informed choices, and be critically reflective in their work. In an accessible, lively and user-friendly way, it explores issues such as: What constitutes an appropriate early childhood curriculum How best to study and assess children Involving parents and children in early childhood learning The book features a range of pedagogical devices to inspire early childhood workers to reflect critically on their work and the ideas underpinning it, including: Boxed definitions of key terms Ideas summary charts and ideas galleries Clarification exercises Case studies Further reading lists This essential textbook is ideal for students undertaking early childhood qualifications at degree level, Masters courses in early childhood education, and for practitioners who work with children from birth to eight in early childhood settings.

Young Children and the Environment tackles one of the biggest contemporary issues of our times - the changing environment - and demonstrates how early education can contribute to sustainable living. An essential text for students in early childhood education and a practical resource for child care practitioners and primary school teachers, it is designed to promote education for sustainability from birth to 8 years. The text refers to national and international initiatives such as 'Sustainable Schools', 'Child Friendly Cities', and 'Health Promoting Schools' and explores their existing and potential links with early childhood education. Groundbreaking content draws on recent literature in the areas of organisational, educational and cultural change and environmental sustainability. Early childhood case studies and vignettes exemplify leadership in practice, and 'Provocations' are integrated throughout to inspire new ways of thinking about the environment, the wider world, young children and the transformative power of early education.

"In the third edition of this landmark test, Louise Porter draws on current, evidence-based research to explore prominent theories about young children's behaviour. With her customary clarity and ever-accessible style, Porter provides practical strategies for caregivers and teachers that are designed to : promote children's skill development, foster children's willingness to cooperate with others; and safeguard children's emotional needs." -- Back cover.

Investigating children’s learning through dance and drawing-telling, Dance-Play and Drawing-Telling as Semiotic Tools for Young Children’s Learning provides a unique insight into how these activities can help children to critically reflect on their own learning. Promoting the concept of dance and drawing-telling as highly effective semiotic tools for meaning-making, the book enlivens thinking about the extraordinary capacities of young children, and argues for the incorporation of dance and drawing in mainstream early childhood curriculum. Throughout the book, numerous practice examples show how children use movement, sound, images, props and language to imaginatively re-conceptualize their everyday experiences into bodily-kinesthetic and spatial-temporal concepts. These examples illustrate children’s competence when given the opportunity to learn through dance and drawing-telling, as well as the important role that teachers play in scaffolding children’s learning. Based on award-winning research, this insightful and informative book makes a sought after contribution to the field of dance education and seeks to reaffirm dance as a powerful learning modality that supports young children’s expressive non-verbal communication. Encouraging the reader to consider the significance of multi-modal teaching and learning, it is essential reading for researchers in the dance, drawing and education spheres; postgraduate students taking courses in early childhood; play and dance therapists; and all early childhood teachers who have a specific interest in arts education.

Young children learning mathematics: A guide for educators and families explores the possibilities and potential for early childhood educators, parents and carers to stimulate young children's mathematical thinking.

An accessible comprehensive guide to good practice in the early years for all early years and childcare students and practitioners.