The Thinking Child Resource Book

In this new edition of a popular resource, the authors provide a wealth of practical suggestions on how to implement the most up-to-date research findings into how children learn best in early years settings. It is fully-updated with reference to all the latest initiatives including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Every Child Matters. This practical resource includes ways to promote self-esteem and emotional intelligence; ideas for teaching through play, music and movement; activities for circle time; advice on managing behaviour positively and fostering relationships with parents and carers. This resource book can be used independently or as a companion to The Thinking Child, also in its second edition. Handy margin references direct you to the appropriate pages of the sister book should you wish to learn more about the theory and research behind the practical techniques. An indispensable resource for early years practitioners of all settings, this book will also appeal to trainee teachers and parents.

What characteristics do children need to become motivated to learn? How do children’s experiences and relationships affect their cognitive development? How do you provide learning experiences that meet the developmental needs of every child in your care? The Thinking Child thoughtfully discusses the key principles of children’s cognitive and intellectual development alongside descriptions of everyday practice. It clearly explains the cognitive strategies that children use to learn new knowledge, the development of cognitive milestones such as symbolism, memories and the imagination, metacognition and creativity along with research into how the brain processes information. Throughout the book, the author considers the key characteristics of effective learning and shows how play is one of the primary mechanisms that children use to access new knowledge and to consolidate their emerging ideas and concepts. These characteristics are then applied to integral aspects of early years practice to show how pracitioners can: motivate children to learn new knowledge about themselves and the world around them; help children to develop their own ideas creatively and use this knowledge as a base to learn new things; reflect on their own teaching methods to encourage children’s engagement, motivation and creativity through effective observation and planning; engage with parents and carers to help support children’s learning at home whilst maintaining the values of the family; celebrate the uniqueness of each child and provide learning experiences that are appropriate for individuals with particular learning needs, be they physical, emotional or cognitive to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to succeed. Emphasising the importance of understanding the theory that underpins children’s cognitive development, this accessible text shows practitioners how they can use this knowledge to provide learning opportunities that nourish children’s thinking and creative skills.

This new edition of The Thinking Child is fully-updated with reference to the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Every Child Matters. The book considers the most recent research into the brain and learning, and offers practical advice on how to reflect these findings in the classroom. There is new guidance on current challenges facing practitioners, such as dealing with stressed and over-scheduled children, the philosophy and benefits of including every child and how to address practical issues that might arise in different settings. Other new material includes: - Collaborative working, - Foreign language learning and English as an additional language (EAL), - Outdoor learning and healthy settings, - Extended provision and the key person approach, and - Managing ICT and the dangers of information overload. The authors offer practical advice on implementing statutory requirements, maintaining a balance between child-initiated and adult-led activities and making the most of existing resources.

`An extremely practical, accessible guide to putting brain-based research into action in foundation stage settings. Children taught like this will be at a huge advantage in the acquisition of literacy skills...indeed, in all their learning.'SUE PALMER, author of Foundations of Literacy In this new edition of a popular resource, the authors provide a wealth of practical suggestions on how to implement the most up-to-date research findings into how children learn best in early years settings. It is fully updated with reference to all the latest initiatives including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Every Child Matters. This practical resource includes ways to promote self-esteem and emotional intelligence; ideas for teaching through play, music and movement; activities for circle time; guidance on inclusion, extended provision and healthy settings; and advice on managing behaviour positively and fostering relationships with parents and carers. This resource book can be used independently or as a companion to The Thinking Child. Handy margin references direct you to the appropriate pages of the sister book should you wish to learn more about the theory and reseach behind the practical techniques. An indispensable resource for early years practitioners of all settings, this book will also appeal to trainee teachers, practitioners working towards further qualifications and parents.

The practical brain-based techniques described in this book include:? Introducing children to mind mapping? How to use music to maximise learning? Teaching and learning through movement? Fostering the beginnings of group work? Managing behaviour positively? Helping children to develop good attention skills? Talking the language of learning? Addressing children's physical needs? Teaching through VAK ? visual, auditory and kinaesthetic ? means? Engaging the multiple intelligencesAlongside theory, the book gives clear and practical guidance for busy practitioners who want suggestions of ways to implement brain-based techniques. Numerous practical ideas are given to suggest where to start, whilst Mini-Brainy characters illustrate key points throughout the text. Additionally a number of informative, and often amusing, snippets of information about the brain and learning are given in boxes called Fascinating Facts. Examples from a wide variety of settings give an overview of how brain-based techniques can be used to enrich the learning experience of all young children ? which is described in the book as a learning adventure. The experience of practitioners using The Thinking Child will be as exciting as that of the children, as they embark upon this brain-based learning adventure together.

This book will teach your students an exciting and powerful problem-solving method from start to finish (includes 30 reproducible classroom activities). Students will learn to work together and individually to find appropriate and unique solutions to real-world problems by using this tested method. Grades 2-8

Guide children to new heights with the Creative Problem Solving methods outlined in CPS for Kids. This book will teach your students an exciting and powerful problem-solving method from start to finish. Each step in the process, from finding problems to finding solutions, is outlined in detail and includes accompanying activities on reproducible pages. Designed for students in grades 2-8, these activities are challenging and interesting. Creative Problem Solving is a process that allows people to apply both creative and critical thinking to find solutions to everyday problems. CPS can eliminate the tendency to approach problems in a haphazard manner and, consequently, prevents surprises and/or disappointment with the solution. Students will learn to work together or individually to find appropriate and unique solutions to real-world problems they may face by using this tested method. Most importantly, they will be challenged to think both creatively and critically as they tackle each problem they face. CPS for Kids includes 30 reproducible classroom activities. Grades 2-8

Grade level: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, p, e, i, s, t.