Thinking Children Learning About Schemas

Forlagets beskrivelse: This book explores the frequently observed schemas of young children-patterns of behaviour from which understanding and growth is derived-and draws out the nature of this learning.

This vastly expanded new edition of THINKING CHILDREN explores the frequently observed schemas of young children - patterns of behaviour from which understanding and growth is derived - and draws out the nature of this learning. It is essential that adults working with young children are able to recognise and identify schema learning and understand and support the opportunities for learning they present. Good observational skills are a key element and the book features a Child Observation Schedule.

The author reviews children's patterns of learning and thinking (schemas), how to support early schematic development, and implications for curriculum, assessment and working with parents.

In her new edition of this popular book, Cathy Nutbrown presents evidence of continuity and progression in young children′s thinking. She shows, with detailed observation, that they are able and active learners. She considers aspects of children′s patterns of learning and thinking - or schemas - and demonstrates clearly how children learn in an active, dynamic and creative way. This book makes schema theory explicit in practice. Supported by numerous detailed examples and the discussion of difficult theoretical issues, it illustrates children′s learning in areas such as literacy, maths and science. This new edition includes: - discussion on the need for professional development - changes in early years pedagogy - more discussion of theories of learning in relation to curriculum and teaching practices - new examples of children′s drawings - new suggestions for using stories to support schemas. Threads of Thinking is for early years practitioners who wish to support and develop children′s learning. Professor Cathy Nutbrown is Director of Studies in Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield.

This creative and highly engaging text describes how young children learn through exploring repeated patterns in their actions, known as 'schemas', and how they can help inform planning for children's learning.

′Chris Athey has made a major contribution to our understanding of how young children think and how educators and parents can best support their learning. This book is, without doubt, a most important text for all who are concerned to maximise the potential of early childhood education to develop effective ways of working with young children. The book explores children′s schematic development and offers ways of teaching which are closely matched to children′s actions, speech and graphic representations. This second edition of Extending Thought builds on the scholarly approach of the first and provides readers with clear explanation of relevant research alongside rich observations of children. It is essential reading for all who seek to provide the very best of learning opportunities for young children by bring parents, professionals and informed pedagogy together in a thoughtful and informed partnership of learning. Extending Thought is a major building block for many of us who study young children′s capacity to think and learn′ - Dr Cathy Nutbrown, Reader in Education, University of Sheffield In this fully revised version of Chris Athey′s classic text, the author builds on her original internationally renowned research with new illustrations of ′continuity′ in children′s thinking from early to primary education. Drawing on her extensive experience and research evidence, she explains how teachers of young children can advance professionally towards a greater knowledge of young children′s thinking and learning. The book covers: o ′forms of thought′ used by young children o assimilation of curriculum content o pedagogy o parental participation o the politics of early education This book is an essential read for students and teachers in early years education. Chris Athey M Ed, was Principal Lecturer in Education at the Roehampton Institute of Higher Education (RIHE). Funded by a Leverhulme Research Fellowship, she directed the Froebel Early Education Project from 1973 to 1978. She has taught all ages of primary-school children in State and private schools. She has considerable experience of initial teacher training and INSET

Shortlisted for the 2013 Nursery World Awards! 'This exciting book will greatly enhance understanding of learning throughout the early years, and reinforces the importance of responsive professionals who understand children's schemas. Atherton and Nutbrown have brought together socio-cultural and cognitive learning theories with ease, and their metaphors are brilliantly evocative' -Dr Anne Meade, Consultant 'This book is drawn from a study carried out with rigour and contains several gems, such as the 'bike and slide exploration'; the idea of adults engaging in 'a dialogue of conceptual correspondence' with children; and tables outlining 'what the children might have been thinking'. A great read!' -Dr Cath Arnold, Pen Green Early Years Centre 'This is an exciting and illuminating account of babies and toddlers, following their schema fascinations with determination and competence, as they continually explore and experiment and come to know their world. This book captivated me. It should be in every early childhood education setting' -Pam Cubey This is the first book to focus specifically on Schemas and children under three. The authors trace the development of schemas from motor level through to symbolic representation, and show how to use schema theory to understand young children's learning and behaviour. This accessible and student-friendly book includes: -activities and discussion points -links to policy and practice -descriptive observational material -a look at the ethics of this kind of research -numerous photographs and illustrations -suggestions for follow-up reading The book is aimed at early childhood professionals and practitioners in ECEC settings, as well as those on initial training courses, teacher education, Early Years courses, and higher degrees.

Teachers often see repetitive behaviors in toddler and preschool classrooms, such as building and knocking down block towers or dumping out toys. When children do these actions over and over it can be irritating to teachers and parents, but viewing these actions through the lens of schema theory, developed by Jean Piaget, can help understand what’s really going on in children’s brains when they display these repetitive behaviors. Children’s Lively Minds is filled with stories about real children exploring schema, followed by reflection and questions about what children might be learning. Schema theory in your work with young children whether you know it or not. Understanding it, putting intention behind it, can help families and teachers ease frustration with young children’s repetitive behavior and allow adults to better support brain development.