The Early Years Curriculum: the UK context and beyond. (Print copy) by
The Early Years Curriculum brings together a range of curriculum models from across the world, providing in-depth discussion on key issues and theories, and enabling readers to consider each approach to children's learning within an international context. It encourages readers to explore different ways of understanding the curriculum, and to develop a critical understanding of the key issues that shape the way a curriculum is designed.
The 2014 primary National Curriculum In England Key Stages 1&2 framework document (Online) by Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage: setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five. (Online PDF) by 
Vygotsky in Action in the Early Years (Print copy) by
Do you want to prepare the children in your class for the educational challenges they will face in the years to come? Do you recognise the value of strong foundations for learning but wonder how to implement these in your setting? Vygotsky in Action in the Early Yearsis based on the concepts of Lev Vygotsky, one of the twentieth century's most influential theorists in the field of early years education. Drawing upon the Key to Learningcurriculum, a unique and inspiring programme of cognitive development activities for the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, the author shows how you can encourage young children to become independent learners. Vygotsky in Action in the Early Yearstransforms Vygotsky's theory of child development into clear, accessible activities for children between the ages of three and seven, and explains the theory underpinning the practice, enabling practitioners to achieve this in their own setting. This invaluable resource includes access to online ready-to-use activities providing a total of over 600 specially designed learning experiences, in 12 teacher-friendly curriculum modules. With links to the Early Years Foundation Stage learning goals, this comprehensive programme helps you enable children to: plan and organise their own activities, through a balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities; openly express their point of view, developing language, listening and attention skills; solve problems creatively, using thinking skills; interact freely and confidently with others, improving social skills; become self-confident, self-motivated learners, with the mindset and mental tools they need for later learning securely in place. Early years practitioners and Key Stage 1 teachers wanting to extend and enrich children's cognitive development will find this an invaluable tool to complement and systemise existing good practice.
Starting from the Child: teaching and learning in the foundation stage. 4th edn. (Print copy). by
Starting from the Child supports early years practitioners to be advocates for young children and their learning needs. In the fourth edition of this highly influential and inspirational book, Julie Fisher outlines the important theories and research which should underpin best early years practice. She takes a robust and principled stand against downward pressure to formalise young children’s learning too soon, and offers practical and meaningful ways to develop high quality learning and teaching in the early years. Starting from the Child challenges all early years practitioners to consider: How to build on children’s innate desire to learn and their competence and autonomy as effective early learners How to plan environments indoors and out that make learning irresistible How to plan for high quality child-initiated learning to take place seamlessly alongside learning that is adult-initiated The role of the adult in supporting and extending young children’s learning How daily observation of children informs and underpins planning for their individual and unique learning needs Revised and updated throughout, this fourth edition includes the latest research on early brain development and reference to recent government initiatives including the revised Early Years Foundation Stage. Starting from the Child is essential reading, not only for early years practitioners, but for all those who manage and make decisions about early learning. “In the fourth edition of this book, Julie Fisher once again demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the history of early childhood education, and the enduring principles that continue to underpin practice. She has skilfully blended these principles with contemporary research and theory in order to provide readers with deep understanding of young children as capable, competent and eager learners. Julie draws on her extensive work with practitioners to present the everyday realities and complexities of their practice, and to sound welcome notes of caution about the ways in which policy frameworks are used. She offers vignettes to illustrate key issues, provocations and challenges to stimulate thinking, and questions to engage readers with contemporary issues and dilemmas. The book also reflects deeply held convictions about the moral and ethical responsibilities we have to teach young children in ways that respect their extraordinary enthusiasm for learning. This book will be invaluable for students of early childhood education, especially those on professional development programmes such as Early Childhood Studies, Early Years Professional Status, and Post Graduate Certificate of Education.” Professor Elizabeth Wood, University of Sheffield, UK “The fourth edition of this classic text has been updated with recent research. This is very helpful in supporting readers but it’s the underpinning philosophy that makes this a continuing classic. The title says it all. Julie takes the reader by the hand and says ‘Look and listen, give these children your full and respectful attention and they will teach you how to be with them.’ All the practical ideas in the book support practitioners in using their skills and knowledge to recognise early childhood as valuable in its own right - to be relished and enjoyed, not to be rushed through or seen merely as preparation for the next stage. We owe it to our children to take heed.” Helen Moylett, Early Years Consultant and writer “Julie Fisher’s work has been a staple of Early Childhood Education since the first edition of Starting from the Child in 1996. Her fourth edition does not disappoint, and is a welcome development of her thinking. She delves in more detail, for example, into brain development, and leads her readers further into the latest scientific thinking on how children learn. She is, as ever, insightful about how adults work with children, with helpful advice about how to observe (and record) children’s learning, and how to plan effectively. Her inclusion of her own latest field work ensures that Julie’s advice on early years practice remains rooted in the everyday, while making accessible a range of theoretical and scientific perspectives. This is a book for students, teachers and other early years workers seeking to find their way through the conflicting needs of a rapidly changing area of work.” Nick Swarbrick, Programme Lead for the Undergraduate Modular Programme in the School of Education, Oxford Brookes University, UK
Starting from the Child: teaching and learning in foundation stage. 4th edn. (E-book). by
Starting from the Child supports early years practitioners to be advocates for young children and their learning needs. In the fourth edition of this highly influential and inspirational book, Julie Fisher outlines the important theories and research which should underpin best early years practice. She takes a robust and principled stand against downward pressure to formalise young children’s learning too soon, and offers practical and meaningful ways to develop high quality learning and teaching in the early years. Starting from the Child challenges all early years practitioners to consider: How to build on children’s innate desire to learn and their competence and autonomy as effective early learners How to plan environments indoors and out that make learning irresistible How to plan for high quality child-initiated learning to take place seamlessly alongside learning that is adult-initiated The role of the adult in supporting and extending young children’s learning How daily observation of children informs and underpins planning for their individual and unique learning needs Revised and updated throughout, this fourth edition includes the latest research on early brain development and reference to recent government initiatives including the revised Early Years Foundation Stage. Starting from the Child is essential reading, not only for early years practitioners, but for all those who manage and make decisions about early learning. “In the fourth edition of this book, Julie Fisher once again demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the history of early childhood education, and the enduring principles that continue to underpin practice. She has skilfully blended these principles with contemporary research and theory in order to provide readers with deep understanding of young children as capable, competent and eager learners. Julie draws on her extensive work with practitioners to present the everyday realities and complexities of their practice, and to sound welcome notes of caution about the ways in which policy frameworks are used. She offers vignettes to illustrate key issues, provocations and challenges to stimulate thinking, and questions to engage readers with contemporary issues and dilemmas. The book also reflects deeply held convictions about the moral and ethical responsibilities we have to teach young children in ways that respect their extraordinary enthusiasm for learning. This book will be invaluable for students of early childhood education, especially those on professional development programmes such as Early Childhood Studies, Early Years Professional Status, and Post Graduate Certificate of Education.” Professor Elizabeth Wood, University of Sheffield, UK “The fourth edition of this classic text has been updated with recent research. This is very helpful in supporting readers but it’s the underpinning philosophy that makes this a continuing classic. The title says it all. Julie takes the reader by the hand and says ‘Look and listen, give these children your full and respectful attention and they will teach you how to be with them.’ All the practical ideas in the book support practitioners in using their skills and knowledge to recognise early childhood as valuable in its own right - to be relished and enjoyed, not to be rushed through or seen merely as preparation for the next stage. We owe it to our children to take heed.” Helen Moylett, Early Years Consultant and writer “Julie Fisher’s work has been a staple of Early Childhood Education since the first edition of Starting from the Child in 1996. Her fourth edition does not disappoint, and is a welcome development of her thinking. She delves in more detail, for example, into brain development, and leads her readers further into the latest scientific thinking on how children learn. She is, as ever, insightful about how adults work with children, with helpful advice about how to observe (and record) children’s learning, and how to plan effectively. Her inclusion of her own latest field work ensures that Julie’s advice on early years practice remains rooted in the everyday, while making accessible a range of theoretical and scientific perspectives. This is a book for students, teachers and other early years workers seeking to find their way through the conflicting needs of a rapidly changing area of work.” Nick Swarbrick, Programme Lead for the Undergraduate Modular Programme in the School of Education, Oxford Brookes University, UK
Play and Development: evoluntionary, sociocultural and functional perspectives. by
Throughout this volume, which is an extension of the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Jean Piaget Society, the editors and contributors explore assumptions about children's play and its status as a unique and universal activity in humans.
Play and Development: evolutionary, sociocultural and functional perspectives (E-book) by
Children's play is a universal human activity, and one that serves a significant purpose in personal development. Throughout this volume, which is an extension of the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Jean Piaget Society, the editors and contributors explore assumptions about play and its status as a unique and universal activity in humans. As a whole, Play and Developmentdelves into three lines of research concerning this topic: examining these assumptions from an ethological perspective, exploring the view of research that shows play to be socially and culturally constructed, and looking at varied applications of play in the different contexts of childhood. Topics covered in this volume include: evolutionary foundations and functions of play children's play as cultural interpretation the use of imagination in children's play the imaginary companions created by children and adults This volume will be of interest to scholars and researchers in the fields of developmental psychology and cognitive development, and will be sought out by active researchers and practitioners in the field.
Play for Children with Special Needs: supporting children with leraning differences., 3.9. 2nd edn. (Print copy) by
There are many more children with learning differences and difficulties in our schools today. Their needs are varied and complex and professionals must find appropriate ways to enhance their learning. The value of play is endorsed in policy initiatives including The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, so professionals can be reassured that 'more time to play' is in line with the latest thinking. Christine Macintyre emphasises the importance of creating an environment where children become confident, independent learners, increasingly able to use their imaginations, care for others and to take safe risks. This fully revised edition of Play for Children with Special Needsincludes new research findings and explains their implications for practice. This book then enables those supporting children to: understand the benefits of play and how to adapt different scenarios to support children who do not find it easy to play observe children as they play so that any difficulties can be identified early analyse different play areas so that the different kinds of learning (intellectual, creative, motor, social and emotional) are appreciated. Play for Children with Special Needs, 2ndeditionenables practitioners to appreciate the contribution that play makes to the education of all children, whether they have special needs or not. It is for parents, teachers, teaching assistants and nursery professionals as well as those who care for children at home.
Excellence of Play. 4th edn. (Print copy) by
The Excellence of Play highlights the importance of play as a tool for learning and teaching, for children and practitioners.
Planning an Appropriate Curriculum in the Early Years: a guide for early years practitioners and leaders, students and parents. 4th edn. (Print copy) by
Now its fourth edition, Planning an Appropriate Curriculum in the Early Yearsoffers a comprehensive guide for early years practitioners and students on how to plan and implement a suitable curriculum for the children in an Early Years setting. It examines the key roles and responsibilities of practitioners working in Early Years settings and those with responsibility for leading and managing provision for EYFS in primary schools. Completely revised and updated in line with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, latest research evidence and OFSTED requirements, this book covers the following aspects of the Early Years including: what we mean by planning an appropriate curriculum in the early years; transition from nursery to school and into Year 1; defining quality learning and play in the early years assessment procedures and examples; integration of two-year-olds into school; the role played by parents and carers in children's learning and development; the ways in which vulnerable children are provided for; examples of planning material developed by practitioners. With case studies of good practice and questions for reflective practice and group work, this timely fourth edition will be welcomed by students and practitioners looking to provide high quality and effective learning experiences for the under-fives.
Children and Play: understanding children's worlds. (E-book) by
The role of play in child development is a source of ongoing interest and debate. In this book, renowned expert Peter Smith offers an expansive definition of the term play , taking an in-depth look at its impact on children, as well as its adaptive value for birds and mammals, including primates. Using both contemporary and classic research, Smith examines how different age groups and sexes participate in a wide variety of play, including exercise and rough-and- tumble play, fantasy play and imaginary friends, and play with objects. The book gauges the function of play in early childhood education and makes the case for and against recess breaks in school. How play occurs in different societies and among various populations including children with special needs is also explored. With its comprehensive coverage of theoretical, historical, cross-cultural, and evolutionary perspectives, Children and Play holds significant insights for parents, educators, and clinicians.
Playing Outdoors: spaces, places, risk and challenge. (E-book) by
Offers a rationale for why outdoor play is essential in young children's lives and learning. This book identifies principles underpinning the design of challenging outdoor play environments and examines how children use and transform space to create their own imaginary worlds.
Outdoor Provision in the Early Years (Print copy) by
How can you create opportunities for learning and playing outdoors? This book offers a range of chapters on key topics, including: " why outdoor play is important for young children " how to make sure your children play outdoors as much as indoors " how play can help young children develop a sense of well-being " child-led play experiences " the role of adults outdoors " ensuring outdoor provision for children with additional needs " how to provide rich outdoor environments " challenge, risk and safety outdoors This is an inspirational and exciting read, that all early years professionals will enjoy and find immensely useful.
Outdoor Provision in the Early Years. (E-book). by
How can you create opportunities for learning and playing outdoors? This book offers a range of chapters on key topics, including: " why outdoor play is important for young children " how to make sure your children play outdoors as much as indoors " how play can help young children develop a sense of well-being " child-led play experiences " the role of adults outdoors " ensuring outdoor provision for children with additional needs " how to provide rich outdoor environments " challenge, risk and safety outdoors This is an inspirational and exciting read, that all early years professionals will enjoy and find immensely useful.
Play, Learning and the Early Childhood Curriculum (Print copy) by
Lecturers, why waste time waiting for the post to arrive? Request and receive your e-inspection copy today! The Third Edition of this popular book reflects contemporary research as well as thinking about the role and value of play in learning and development, within and beyond early childhood. The author explores recent developments across international contexts which endorse play, and argues for critical engagement with some aspects of policy discourse in how 'educational play' is constrructed. This accesible book also reviews contemporary theoretical trends which focus on the meanings and intentions that children bring to their play. The new edition includes coverage of: - play in education policies; UK and international perspectives - working with parents - social and cultural diversity - children with special educational needs and disabilities - outdoor play Each chapter includes case studies provided by practitioners, along with questions and tasks to promote critical engagement and reflection on key issues and debates. This book is for students on Childhood Studies courses and those on Initial Teacher Education and Masters programmes in early childhood and primary education. Experienced practitioners on CPD courses will also find it useful. For additional online material visit www.sagepub.co.uk/wood
Child-Initiated Play and Learning. 2nd edn. (Print copy) by
Child-Initiated Play and Learning shows how a creative approach to learning that allows for spontaneous adventures in play through child-led projects can lead to rich learning experiences that build on children¿s own interests. This second edition has been fully updated in light of policy and curriculum changes and features new material to help practitioners make informed decisions around digital technology and how children engage with it. Including scenarios and provocative questions for reflective practice, this book looks at planning and considers the possibilities that should be encouraged when playing alongside young children. Drawing on practice from Reggio Emilia, New Zealand, Scandinavia and in settings in the UK, the book covers all aspects of planning including: how to enable and empower children to lead projects; organisation of indoor and outdoor materials and space; inclusive practice and contemporary research; learning through managing risks and adventurous play; working with parents and carers; challenging teams to explore what they actually believe about possibilities of play. In a busy setting it can be difficult to adopt a flexible, creative approach to planning that embraces the unexpected rather than relying on templates or existing schemes of work. This book will give readers the confidence to adopt a flexible approach to planning that will better meet the needs of the children in their care. The authors are experienced lecturers, practitioners, advisors and managers. Working with students, visiting placements, training teachers and early years professionals, they provide a sense of real purpose in their optimistic writing and enjoyment in the themes made explicit throughout this book.
Journals – All available online via - http://libguides.uos.ac.uk/friendly.php?s=a-z-ejournals
Child Education
Children and Young People Now
Early Childhood Research Quarterly
Early Childhood
Early Years Educator
All available online via - A-Z List of online journals
Child Education
Children and
Children and Young People Now
Early Childhood Research Quarterly
Early Childhood
Early Years Educator
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