The Excellence Of Play

This is a must-read book for all students studying early childhood at a range of levels and practitioners who are looking to deepen their understanding of play and playful practices.

This second edition encapsulates the many changes that have taken place in early childhood in the last ten years. Whilst retaining its original message of the vital importance of play as a tool for learning, it consolidates this further with current evidence from research and practice.

The key themes in play are explored through an A -- Z approach covering key concepts, theories / theorists, and figures. Rather than conventional chapters, there are brief sections outlining the main areas under any particular letter of the alphabet (the length dependent on the potential content for that letter). Topics range from baby play to holistic learning to kinaesthesia and therapy. This is a fun book which would be very useful on courses attempting to introduce students to all aspects of young children's play. A further feature of the book is that some well known early years people (e.g. Profs Tricia David, Carol Aubrey, Angela Anning, Lilian Katz etc) have agreed to write a very few original thoughts identifying their own passion and interest for a particular aspect of play or a particular influence in their lives.

"Thinking about Play... cleverly brings together research-based chapters from experienced Early Years practitioners and academics who provide knowledge the field desperately needs to ensure young children can engage in play - laying their own meaningful foundations for their later education." Tricia David, Emeritus Professor of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK This edited collection brings together play and reflective practice and supports practitioners in reflecting more deeply on the play provision they make for young children. This involves analysing and evaluating what makes quality play and learning experiences by considering how current research might impact on practice. Key features: Introduces the concept of 'playful pedagogies' and explains how it relates to practice Each chapter starts with an abstract so that readers can dip into issues of particular interest and concern Includes questions and follow-up ideas that can be used for CPD experiences and training This important book supports early years students and practitioners in developing their own thinking, ideologies and pedagogies. Contributors: Deborah Albon, Pat Beckley, Avril Brock, Stephanie Collins, Jane George, Jane Gibbs, Justine Howard, Pam Jarvis, Karen McInnes, Kevin Kelman, Linda Lauchlan, Paulette Luff, Estelle Martin, Theodora Papatheodorou, Marie Sprawling, Lynsey Thomas, Pauline Trudell, Rebecca Webster, Bryonie Williams, Maulfry Worthington

This book uniquely describes the work of two Early Years Professionals, drawing on their narrative accounts as they robustly describe and analyse their work with young children. Against a backcloth of increasing regulation and inspection of early years care and education, Kathy Gooch emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships with children and their families, explores how play can be promoted as the central site for learning, and shows how professionals can use play to account for children’s development and learning. In analysing the Early Year Professionals’ narratives, this book explores key themes including: Traditional notions of ‘teaching’ and how they can be redefined The significance of talk in children’s lives Teachers’ professional identities How children’s potential in learning can be achieved through play Celebrating knowledge, skills and understanding and re-defining what it means to be a teacher, in its broadest sense, this fascinating book brings together research and literature from across disciplines. Containing a foreword by Tricia David, it will be of interest to academics, early years educators and students on early childhood education degree programmes and initial teacher education courses, as well as others concerned with the over prescriptive nature of early education.

This second edition encapsulates the many changes that have taken place in early childhood in the last ten years. Whilst retaining its original message of the vital importance of play as a tool for learning, it consolidates this further with current evidence from research and practice.

A revolutionary new understanding of the mind is transforming the field of performance psychology, making it easier than ever before for musicians to bring out the best in themselves and make music as nature intended. Not only that, but it offers renewed hope for sufferers of anxiety, depression and a whole host of other psychological disorders.

From the age of nine, Michael dreams of playing basketball for the United States in the Olympics, and with hard work and his mother's encouragement, he realizes his dream. Full color.