The Student Practitioner In Early Childhood Studies

Now in a fully updated second edition, The Student Practitioner in Early Childhood Studies provides accessible support and guidance for early childhood studies students in higher education who may have little, if any, experience of relating to young children in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) and key stage 1. With useful chapter summaries, activities and reflection points to help readers track their academic journey, this text draws on the experiences of students on the degree programme for the benefit of students new to practice. This fully updated second edition includes two new chapters on 'The inclusive practitioner' and 'The safeguarding practitioner'. It will: prepare students for the challenges of practice provide a synthesis of academic knowledge and practice skills develop students' critically reflective and creative thinking and understanding of early childhood pedagogy and the needs of young children provide the emerging student practitioner in higher education with knowledge, skills, understanding and confidence to relate effectively with young children and adults in the early childhood setting. Fully supporting students' practice experience and development of their critical and creative thinking, this book helpfully synthesises theory and practice in an applied and evaluative manner. The authors cover a range of themes including critical reflection, early childhood pedagogy, confidence building, communication skills, personal and professional development and employability alongside academic writing and research skills. This textbook is essential reading for students on all early childhood studies degree programmes.

The Student Practitioner in Early Childhood Studies: An essential guide to working with children provides accessible support and guidance for Early Childhood Studies students in higher education who may have little, if any, experience of relating to young children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage One. With useful chapter summaries, activities and reflection points to help readers track their academic journey, this text draws on the experiences of students on the degree programme for the benefit of students new to practice. It will: prepare students for the challenges of practice provide a synthesis of academic knowledge and practice skills develop students' critically reflective thinking and understanding relational pedagogy and the needs of young children provide the emerging student practitioner in higher education with knowledge, skills, understanding and confidence to relate effectively with young children and adults in settings Fully supporting students' practice experience and development of their critical thinking, this helpful book synthesises theory and practice in an applied and critical manner. The authors cover a range of themes including critical reflection, relational pedagogy, confidence building, communication skills, personal and professional development and employability alongside academic writing and research skills. This textbook is essential reading for students on all Early Childhood degree programmes.

This guide to the Early Childhood Graduate Competencies, developed by the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network to strengthen students′ knowledge and skills for practice, in addition to boosting employability. Embedded into Early Childhood Studies and Early Years degrees, the nine competencies ensure that students are both academically and practically ready to work with young children and take the lead in any early childhood setting. With a focus on essential topics such as advocating for children’s rights, inclusion, safeguarding, observation this book will help students to build a solid foundation on which to build their practice. Written in collaboration with students, this text offers a range of case studies and examples, activities, further readings and more to support students on their learning journey.

"Underpinned by ecological theories of development concerned with children, families and communities, this book provides the reader with philosophical, economic and sociological insights and with the latest thinking emerging from post-humanism. In so doing, it provides tools that enable students to research childhood, to understand the complexities of often seemingly simple matters and to navigate critically ever-changing policy and practice in early childhood. Its breadth, depth and currency cannot fail to impress." - Ian Barron, Professor of Early Childhood Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University Student focused and designed to support critical thinking, this brand new textbook is mapped to early childhood degrees and is designed to cover the breadth and depth of content across the course. Focused on seeing children in the context of the world they live in, it provides students with a range of perspectives and insights to help them understand the complexities of early childhood, develop their own critical ideas and apply theory to practice. A range of features in the book and resources online help students: Get to grips with the basic with: Spotlights on people, policy and practice An extensive Glossary in the book along with online Flashcards Learn from others with: Video insights from academics and practitioners Student perspectives at the start of each chapter Prepare for Assignments with: Further reading resources in the book and online to enable wider reading Spotlights on research and reflection points to develop critical thinking skills Relate to practice with: Case study scenarios of real-life settings Action point activities to put theory into practice

This is an accessible text for students of degrees and foundation degrees in Early Years and Early Childhood. It examines both the theory behind early years practice, and the practical skills and knowledge needed for effective practice. Covering themes such as child-centered practice, reflective practice, inclusive environments and safe practice, it introduces you to the wide scope of practice in the early years. Practical examples, case studies and theory focus features are included in all chapters to make links between theory and practice. This is an accessible and comprehensive text enables you to develop the skills and knowledge to approach practice in the early years. About the Early Childhood Studies Series This series has been designed to support students of Early Years, Early Childhood Studies and related disciplines in popular modules of their course. Each text takes a focused look at a specific topic and approaches it in an accessible and user-friendly way. Features have been developed to help readers engage with the text and understand subject from a number of different viewpoints. Activities pose questions to prompt thought and discussion and ′Theory Focus′ boxes examine essential theory close-up for better understanding. This series is also applicable to EYPS candidates on all pathways. Other titles in the series include Early Childhood Studies, Childhood in Society for the Early Years, Child Development for Early Years Students and Practitioners and Exploring Play for Early Childhood Studies. Rose Envy is Senior Lecturer in Education at Teesside University. She is program leader for the BA (Hons) Children & Early Childhood Degree and acts as Examination and Assessment Officer for the Education Department within the School of Social Sciences and Law. Rebecca Walters is a tutor fo the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at Teesside University. She also teaches on Teesside′s Early Years (Sector Endorsed) foundation degree, hosted in Durham and Thirsk, and delivers the Early Years Professional Status.

This accessible text encourages readers to understand and confidently engage with distinctive early years pedagogy. It shows how pedagogy not only underpins the early years curriculum but is also inherent in the role of the adult and the experiences that are offered to young children. The book explains what the differing early years pedagogies are, why they are encouraged, and the knowledge, skills, and practice that are required to work with them. Emphasising that what works in one situation may not in another and a wider pedagogical knowledge is essential to ensure quality outcomes for children, it considers key topics such as: the role of the pedagogue and developing your own style promoting a lifelong love of learning in children under your care sensitivity and inclusion for all children’s cultures and communities promoting the rights of every child under your care. Incorporating reflection points and research tasks to support independent learning, this is essential reading for students on Early Childhood Studies courses and Early Years Foundation Degrees as well as early years practitioners.

Are you worried about doing your early years action research project? Does the thought of choosing the right research question feel daunting? Are you concerned about the challenges you might face? If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, then this is the book for you! Written in a lively and accessible style, this is the essential step-by-step guide to conducting your own action research project. The book introduces and evaluates different approaches to action research and explores how they can be applied in early childhood settings to create positive change and to improve practice. Using varied illustrations and case studies of contemporary projects in diverse early childhood contexts, the book addresses specific issues and challenges that you might face when conducting action research in such settings. Each chapter offers gentle guidance and support at a specific stage of the research process, from choosing your initial topic to formulating your research question, through to sharing the lessons of your project. The book's key features include: 16 'Steps' that walk you through the process of conducting your action research project References to real life research projects to illustrate key ideas, themes, practices and debates Advice on creating an action research journal, with sample extracts 'Thinking Boxes' in each chapter to encourage you to review and reflect on the chapter's contents as you plan your research project Checklists in each chapter of key concepts, processes and themes, together with further resources The authors explore some difficult issues associated with action research, including ethics, rigour, validity, critical reflection, and social and professional change. They show that there is more than one 'right' way to perform an action research project and advise you how to choose an approach that is appropriate for your particular interests and circumstances. Doing Action Research in Early Childhood Studies is an essential resource for students and practitioners of early childhood studies.

This fully updated new edition offers a comprehensive, accessible, yet rigorous introduction to the study of Early Childhood that will will add value to any Early Childhood Studies course at both foundation and degree level. Addressing both care and education in the Early Years, the book considers a range of multi-disciplinary aspects of Early Childhood; including health, social, educational, psychological and sociological perspectives. Early Childhood Studies engages the reader by providing real-world examples that underpin theoretical perspectives and bring examples to life, while encouraging practitioners to engage in reflective practice by considering their own similar experiences. Key features include: Engaging activities and case studies that bring theory to life Cutting-edge research Practical tasks and advice with points for further reading End of chapter summaries, Reflective Tasks and Study Skills boxes in each chapter Full colour illustrations throughout This core introductory textbook is an indispensable resource for Early Years’ students and professionals, whatever their level of expertise or experience.