The Primary Curriculum

In order to be a successful primary teacher you need a clear understanding of good teaching practice across the subjects that make up the primary curriculum. This second edition has been fully updated to include key points from the 2014 National Curriculum in England, balancing a clear discussion of the principles behind high quality teaching with the requirements of current policy. An emphasis on creative approaches supports you in developing inspiring cross-curricular practice in your classroom. New to this edition: Links to the 2014 National Curriculum in England in every chapter Case studies in every chapter provide useful examples of creative teaching in each curriculum subject Expanded coverage on assessment and planning This is essential reading for students on primary initial teacher education courses, including university-based (PGCE, PGDE, BA QTS, BEd), school-based (SCITT, School Direct, Teach First) and employment-based routes into teaching.

Lecturers, why waste time waiting for the post to arrive? Request and receive your e-inspection copy today! Providing an overview of the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to teach the primary curriculum, this book offers an informed critical approach to the teaching of core and foundation subjects in primary education. Underpinned by contemporary research and current policy The Primary Curriculum combines coverage of key subject-specific issues with relevant pedagogical approaches to teaching, offering a comprehensive overview of each major subject of primary education. Particular emphasis is placed on cross-curricular and creative approaches to teaching intelligently across different subject areas within the current curriculum framework. Curriculum progression from Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 2 is also emphasised. The Primary Curriculum is an essential companion for all students on primary initial teacher education courses. Patricia Driscoll and Judith Roden are established primary education authors and teach on initial teacher education courses at Canterbury Christ Church University. Andrew Lambirth is Professor of Education at University of Greenwich.

How can teachers harness the power of STEM education and learning in the primary curriculum? This book gives practical STEM ideas for the classroom and supports teachers to make the most of opportunities for rich STEM experiences across the primary curriculum. This book: Explores the nature of STEM education and why it matters Highlights the opportunities for STEM learning across the curriculum Supports teachers to design and innovate engaging STEM learning experiences Includes a chapter on STEM in the early years.

Aimed at primary teachers, this text explores creativity across curriculum subjects and offers advice on planning and implementing effective creative teaching and learning.

Planning for authentic learning begins with engaging children. This book explores each subject in the primary curriculum offering clear guidance on the distinctive elements of each and effective pedagogical approaches that support informed teaching. Key aspects include: · Real-life case studies including student teacher and expert commentaries · Critical tasks for reflection and evaluation with suggested responses · How effective teaching can nurture children’s intellectual development This is essential reading for all students on primary initial teacher education courses including university-based (PGCE, BEd, BA with QTS), and schools-based (School Direct, SCITT, Teach First) routes into teaching.

This volume supports educators in integrating meaningful education for social justice and sustainability across a wide range of curricular subjects by drawing on educational theory, innovative pedagogical approaches and creative ideas for teaching and learning. Both practical and theoretical in its approach, it addresses subject areas ranging from mathematics to visual arts to language teaching. Chapters provide subject entry points for teachers seeking to embed social justice and sustainability principles and pedagogies into their work. Transferable across various areas of learning, a range of pedagogical approaches are exemplified, ranging from inquiry approaches to ethical dilemmas to critical relational pedagogies. Ready-to-use teaching exemplars, activities and resources address issues which are of interest and relevance to children’s lives, including gender stereotyping, racism, heterosexism, climate change and species extinction. Practical guidance is provided on how to engage children in dialogue and reflection on these complex issues in a safe and ethical way. This accessible and unique volume is essential reading for student teachers, teachers, educational leaders, teacher educators and anyone interested in inspiring children to work towards creating a more socially just and sustainable world.

The curriculum in many primary schools, in recent history, became worryingly narrowed such that children were being prepared for tests more than their lives were being enriched with a variety of knowledge, skills and experiences. It is clear that it is the latter that enables them to perform well in tests and in life, so the time for change is now! This book seeks to empower teachers and school leaders to better understand what is meant by 'curriculum' and what a creative educational diet might look like in each individual school. The book explores curriculum intent, implementation and impact. It includes leaders' reflection boxes and practical suggestions for busy teachers. Emma L. Palastanga analyses the need for a broad and balanced curriculum, against the limitations of cramming for success, and delves deep into the process of curriculum planning, delivery and evaluation, using Ofsted’s terminology. Examples of lessons and a range of different approaches are shared throughout the book. A Creative Primary Curriculum for All will give all subject leaders, classroom teachers and teacher trainees the confidence to provide a rich, exciting and varied curriculum, meeting the needs of learners whilst also letting the craft of teaching and individual inspiration shine.

How is a compelling, exemplary curriculum created in schools in spite of the pressures to implement a standardized one? In this book, teachers and principals share their experiences with emergent curriculum, and with the creative practices they’ve developed in urban classrooms kindergarten to 3rd grade. We learn what they were trying to do, how they began the process, the challenges they faced, the decisions they made, and what happened to the children. All chapters are written by teachers who have found ways of interpreting the Reggio approach to enrich their teaching within the confines of traditional schools. This book is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand emergent curriculum and for all who hope to nurture an enlivening, energizing way to learn in classrooms. The inspiring stories presented here illustrate: Ways that early childhood values and practices have been sustained and promoted in elementary schools. Exemplary teaching practice, where children want to learn and teachers want to teach. How the influence of the Reggio Emilia approach is reaching into urban public school environments with diverse populations. Democratic participatory teaching that offers visions of responsible citizenship for children. “This book is a treasure trove of useful frameworks, wonderful teacher stories, and memorable insights. It demonstrates the remarkable potential of children and teachers, and it clarifies how North American elementary school educators can take hold of ideas from Reggio Emilia and integrate them with their own ideals and standards.” —Carolyn Pope Edwards, University of Nebraska–Lincoln “Carol Anne Wien demonstrates again that she can illustrate complex ideas—this time the theories underlying the Reggio Emilia approach—in innovative ways for a broad audience.” —Celia Genishi, Teachers College, Columbia University “A must read for educators seeking an antidote to prescriptive curricular practice that respects neither children nor teachers.” —Curt Dudley-Marling, Lynch School of Education, Boston College “This book provides long overdue and compelling pathways for extending Reggio Emilia principles into the primary grades. It will encourage readers to feel their way into the spirit and substance of emergent curricula and come away rejuvenated.” —Daniel Scheinfeld, Erikson Institute, Chicago, Illinois